RT/10 Trunk Lid Gas Shock - Viperware

[Tomer]

Has anyone installed the gas shock which holds the trunk lid up (wiperware sells it)? If so, comments?

I wonder if this is undesirable due to the drilling, perhaps its not wise to be putting new holes in my viper?

Also, with only one shock on the driver's side, I wonder if this will cause some sideways stress on the lid/hinges?

thanks
Tomer
96 RT/10

 

[XS TORQ]

I put one on mine about 4 years ago. Drilling the 1st hole is tough (mentally). No big deal to install - comes complete w/ templates. Definitely worth having. I doubt that it's much heavier than the rod and mounting hardware that comes in the car, and think it should be "standard" in the car.
I don't know if Viperware carries them now, but the guy I got mine from is George Farris. The email address I have for him is [email protected]
Hope this helps.
Mark

 

[CitySnake]

Mark:

I've been told that you need to lift the trunk lid near 75% open before the "shock" can support the weight? Can you estimate the distance you have to raise the lid manually prior to the "shock" support assisting. My shoulder is getting sore.
Thanks,

Scott

 

[Tomer]

Mark, to clarify, the shock somehow sits down in some free space between the trunk lid and the 1/4 panel? So no other mods required?

And you are totally happy with it?

Tomer..

 

[XS TORQ]

I have always been totally happy w/ the strut. The trunk needs to be up 100% for it to hold (at least mine does).
Things did change *somewhat* recently when I added a Mopar spoiler. I probably need to change the mount point a little bit, as the strut barely holds the decklid up now. The spoiler is light, but adds just enough weight to cause problems if the rear of the car is a little lower than the front.
The strut is under the trunklid, next to the quarterpanel, no other mods. It's really a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned. Do it!
If you have any other questions, feel free to email me.
Mark

 

[George Farris]

Did not want to use a gas strut with more power as it may stress the composite material - something I definately wanted to avoid. This strut was selected after working with Team Viper and the strut manufacturer.

The spoilers sometimes require a strut on each side.

 

[Tomer]

George, you should have mentioned you worked with Team Viper in designing this solution...Now I am OK with putting it on the car...

Is there currently any benefit (based on experience gained) with moving any of the mount points? Perhaps the shock could start holding up the lid before its 100% open?

Tomer

 

[George Farris]

When closed, the present mounting points leave about 1/2 inch of piston showing. That is pretty close to maximum. One could however, get it closer. But when dealing with many users and allowing some leeway in how owners may installl the kit, it was best to err on the cautious side.

The kit is not designed to take the trunk lid out of your hands on the way up. It will take it from about halfway up. The main feature is that it will hold up the trunk lid w/o a prop rod or your shoulder, or head, or etc.