I just recently installed my cf trunk and in the process I had to remove the trunk shocks (the shocks that keep the trunk from closing) to get access to the bolts which got striped. That was a big mistake. Now I can't seem to compress the shocks to its original length. What can I do? Do I need new trunk shocks?

 

i think you should of just taken out the metal bands on each end of the shocks.

 

I have the same issue. I removed the metal holders from each end of the trunk shocks/damper/trunk lid stay. The came off fine. However, I'm unable to compress them enough to get them back on the studs on each end. Any help is appreciated. thanks.

 

slide it in thru the top. then use a flathead and push it down

 

Thanks a phamm. yup, to get the get the metal clips on the ends, that works.

However, the actual shock ends extend past the ball/studs on the other side. So, they are not in position to place the lock-clips on. The shock does not compress. The ball ends on the shock go about a 1/2 inch too far. The shock is just too long to get them over the studs on both end. Eventhough, the trunk is opened all the way.

Is there a way to get the strut to compress that 1/2 inch?

 

yes, press it down really hard so it can compress. that happened to me, apply a little pressure and it will just hook on. before you apply the pressure its better to put the metal band around the ball joint first.

 

What i did was simply push harder on the trunk lid, the hindge would allow it to open just a little further and then you don't have to worry about compressing the shock.... MUCH EASIER! I left the metal clip on the joint and then pushed up on the trunk lid and the shock snapped in easily... I tried to compress it, that is NEVER going to work!

 

Thanks everyone. The trunk lid is now on.

I'm reluctant to extend the hood past it's designed possition. I'm glad that method worked out for you Eah.

What I did was place it on the work bench and compressed the damper about an inch so that I knew how much force was required. I then attaced the bottom of the damper with the metal tab. Next I pushed it down enough to get the top on the ball end.

Very simple. It just takes a bit of force, don't be afaid to use it.

 

Maybe your setup was further off than mine, I only had about half an inch and with the lid opening at an angle it was really just a little push on the lid, I mean, I wasn't really putting much effort into it and then I didn't have to mess with compressing that shock. My problem was keeping the compression on the shock while connecting it to the bracket. I connected the bottom of the shock, then pressed on it to compress it but by the time I could line up the top connection the shock had expanded or my hand had slipped off the shock or something crazy.... but lightly pushing up on the trunk lid worked well and there was no damage, in fact while trying to put the shock on using the compression method, the shock came off the bottom bracket and slipped, this caused a scratch on my rear end right around the section of body that meets the trunk lid!

Good Luck!!