Best place to buy GTS r. window gas struts?

[FE 065]

I think that's what they're called

Anyway, one or more of mine weak; barely wanting to hold up the back window after I help it through its' full travel.

 

[Mccarlin]

Ebay is the best place to buy them. Half the price of the dealers.

just search viper struts or shocks.

 

[big-n-italian]

i bought mine at autozone. still work fine now after (2) years.

 

[MacManInfi]

Bought mine on ebay and couldn't be happier with them.

 

[C-Note]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-2002-Dodge-Viper-Coupe-NEW-Hatchback-support-Arm_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6763QQihZ008QQitemZ180023097625QQtcZphoto

That is link to the ones I got on ebay, they work great (turn the key and the glass goes up on its own) and have a lifetime warrenty.

 

[FE 065]

Thanks for the feedback

 

[Johann]

The e-bay struts are $47.50 with shipping, my local Autozone has them for $20.99 each so, depending on your local taxes, local might be cheaper.

I've had the Autozone struts on my GTS for over 3 years and they still do the job.

 

[GTSnake]

Rich,

Check out the recent posts.

http://www4.forum.viperclub.org/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB14&Number=724247&Forum=UBB14&Words=&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=3weeks&Main=724241&Search=true#Post724247

 

[FE 065]

Thanks Tom, I'm going to see what brand Murray's carries when I'm there tomorrow. I've written the ebay guy whose auction ended asking if he's got any more.

As with Autozone, buying locally may end up being the same as going thru the trouble of ebay.

 

[PatentLaw]

Dealers charge about 44 bucks a piece. I would keep it stock. Not that much more money. Chump change.

Simple installation. Drivers side strut has three Philips head screws to take apart an electrical connection to turn the interior rear light on and off. Disassemble that connection, take it off the strut. Pull off old struts (they are just ball and socket connections). Just pull off straight. For new reinstallation, use a small amount of WD40 on the socket ends that accept the ball corresponding pieces attached to the car. Push connection on straight.

Reassemble the electrical connection with the three Philips head screws. You are done. Simple, no mess. Easy. Whole process - 15 to 20 minutes.

 

[RAYSIR]

NAPA has them listed also. was just looking at them but didn't price them since special order here. Mine aren't that bad yet.

 

[GTSnake]

Dealers charge about 44 bucks a piece. I would keep it stock. Not that much more money. Chump change.

Why would you want to replace it with the same poor quality strut you had from the factory? It's just going to fail after a few years again.

 

[Viper44]

The struts that are in the ebay link within this thread say they are for 97 - 02 but nothing about a 96 GTS. The 96 is the same as the 97 - 02, correct?
Thanks

 

[FE 065]

Oddly enough, Murray's wants about $39ea (!)

 

[PatentLaw]

If your local place wants $39 a piece, for the difference of $5 dollars a piece I would go with original.

As for why I would want to replace it with the same "poor quality strut from the factory", my response is that I like to keep the car original. Furthermore, if anyone has any test data that the cheaper ones are better, I am all ears. At least I am guaranteed "a few years" of proper service.

 

[RAYSIR]

Sounds like struts that lasted 10 years did pretty good. They're gett'n weak on my 98 also. NAPA has them but I'll buy factory to keep it original.

 

[PatentLaw]

Additional thought......, some vendors here sell DC parts for up to 20% off MSRP. That makes it even cheaper. They are a phone call away.....

 

[FE 065]

It's all becoming clear to me now

 

[PatentLaw]

Even clearer PN 4763387AB (might want to double check it).

 

[GTSnake]

The ones I got off Ebay were made by Stabilus who are an OEM supplier. Which means that the quality is there. However I would venture to say that the ones they sell aftermarket have better performance since they wouldn't be limited in price by the OEM.

BTW my original ones didn't last 10 years by any stretch. They were sagging after 2 years.

 

[radta7]

I replaced my originals last weekend. Bought the ones off EBAY. 10 min fix. Great stuff!

 

[Viper44]

Does anyone know if the same struts are used on a 1996 GTS compared to the 1997 through 2002 GTS? The description on the ebay link says they are for 1997 - 2002 but nothing about 1996. I think they are the same but don't know for sure.
Thanks,

 

[FE 065]

Just found and bought some.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-2002-Dodge-Viper-Coupe-NEW-Hatchback-support-Arm_W0QQitemZ180023393437QQihZ008QQcategoryZ6763QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thank for the tips !

 

[JonB]

Additional thought......, some vendors here sell DC parts for up to 20% off MSRP. That makes it even cheaper. They are a phone call away.....

WHAT ? Actually support a VCA sponsor-vendor who pays for the very existance of this SITE?! WHAT AN AMAZING THOUGHT ! They might even have OE in STOCK, competitively priced! You could get em even faster! They might even send you some nifty FREE VIPER STUFF.

Oh, well.....it was a nice thought, thank you.

 

[PatentLaw]

JonB - You are welcome. Hope you have continued success here on the website and in your other business ventures.