My SSR: 04 Redline red #11672 born on 6-22-04 adopted 10-14-04 Pinstriping handpainted by "Shakey"
I'm in too.
Just got email from parts dept and I quote.
"GM only offers the original ones that are 22.00 each. I spoke to one person at GM that was pessimistic about a stronger shock. He was afraid of damaging the cover"
I'm in too.
Just got email from parts dept and I quote.
"GM only offers the original ones that are 22.00 each. I spoke to one person at GM that was pessimistic about a stronger shock. He was afraid of damaging the cover"
The weak point is the upper attachment for the gas spring.
I initially tried installing the McMaster (acutally SUSPA) gas springs on the stock mounting points. What I found is that the minimum compressed length is longer than the Stabilus units.
Testing, I could see when the spring bottomed out, that the upper pin would cause the steel tab it is mounted on to flex. If I had forced it past that point, the tab would have bent.
My SSR: 04 Redline red #11672 born on 6-22-04 adopted 10-14-04 Pinstriping handpainted by "Shakey"
I was at the dealer today talking with service manager. He agreed with our assessment and said if I could get a GM part number for the replacement spring He would replace it for me. He offered to try replacing with same ones to see if mine weren't strong enough, but we decided to see if GM part is available first. Anyone with some access that might have a GM crossreference to the heavier spring?????
BTW the SSR at the dealership didn't pop up either and that one didn't have the carpet!!
My SSR: 04 Redline red #11672 born on 6-22-04 adopted 10-14-04 Pinstriping handpainted by "Shakey"
I just heard back from the Stabilus GM rep. Here is his reply:
Mike:
We are working on revised strut to solve this problem direct with our customer, ASC.
Rich Staton, Stabilus Senior Application Engineer is working on this project, and will return to our Sterling Hgts., MI office next week.
Rich & I will provide you a plan to support your request by Feb. 17th.
Best regards,
Bill Willmarth
Account Manager
Stabilus
It looks like Chevy is working on the problem and should be coming up with a solution. Before we spend our money on replacements, lets wait and see if something comes of this and warranty will replace them for us.
Dingbat, Based on my experience with GM Service on my 2003 SSR I'd say don't get your hopes up. GM could give a shi# less about the 2003 and 2004 owner's problems. When they do recognize there is a problem they incorporate changes into the newer SSR's being produced but don't offer fixes for the existing owners. Some prime examples are the flimsy hood struts on the 2003's and 2004's and GM now offers gas operated struts for 2005, the door panels on 2005's have been improved so that you can get your hand to the seat heater button, poor radio reception, etc. Yeah, GM looks out for the newer owners but they pretty well treat the 2003 and 2004 owners like "red-headed stepchildren". We were their guinea pigs and they really don't want to hear about our problems. If they did they would offer us, UNDER WARRANTY, fixes like the new door panels, hood struts, etc. Just my personal opinion based on my experinces with GM Service and I could be wrong!
__________________
03 SSR #1375, 2001 GMC Sierra C-3, 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS, 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible.
I think it would be a lot to ask any manufacturer to retro fit previously sold merchandise with the current upgrades ,whether it electronics , or automobiles , or any product that continues to evolve with improvments.
But that being said I would not turn done any free upgrades.
__________________ 1932 Ford 2 Dr 1932 Ford Roadster 1938 Ford Deluxe 1941 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine 1947 Buick Roadmaster Conv 1959 Chev Impala 1963 Corvette Split Window 2004 SSR 2004 GMC Dually 2005 GMC Jimmy
I just bought a new '04. What seems to be the problem with the struts?
You don't have em ! (gas struts to hold the hood up instead of a prop)
Don't throw that old rake handle away !
__________________ 1932 Ford 2 Dr 1932 Ford Roadster 1938 Ford Deluxe 1941 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine 1947 Buick Roadmaster Conv 1959 Chev Impala 1963 Corvette Split Window 2004 SSR 2004 GMC Dually 2005 GMC Jimmy
My SSR: 04 Redline red #11672 born on 6-22-04 adopted 10-14-04 Pinstriping handpainted by "Shakey"
Quote:
Originally Posted by RedTn.SSR
Dingbat, Based on my experience with GM Service on my 2003 SSR I'd say don't get your hopes up. GM could give a shi# less about the 2003 and 2004 owner's problems. When they do recognize there is a problem they incorporate changes into the newer SSR's being produced but don't offer fixes for the existing owners. Some prime examples are the flimsy hood struts on the 2003's and 2004's and GM now offers gas operated struts for 2005, the door panels on 2005's have been improved so that you can get your hand to the seat heater button, poor radio reception, etc. Yeah, GM looks out for the newer owners but they pretty well treat the 2003 and 2004 owners like "red-headed stepchildren". We were their guinea pigs and they really don't want to hear about our problems. If they did they would offer us, UNDER WARRANTY, fixes like the new door panels, hood struts, etc. Just my personal opinion based on my experinces with GM Service and I could be wrong!
Things like the door panels are model upgrades and Chevy should be under no obligation to retrofit them. Yes, the front hood is heavy and the prop rod has failed in some cases but it is workimg as designed. With the prop rod I think it is one of those things that enough people have to get hurt before something is retrofitted. I would like to see mine changed to the gas struts up front too, but I am not holding my breath waiting.
The rear hatch struts on the other hand are not working as they should be. My service rep agrees with me and said if there is a GM part available he will replace them under warranty. It looks like a part will be available soon and I will see if it works. My service rep has been very good with my requests in the past and has no problem working with me to solve issues with this car.
As with any new vehicle the first owners are "guinea pigs" and it is up to us to try to make thing right. First model year vehicles almost always have bugs to fix.
My SSR: 04 Redline red #11672 born on 6-22-04 adopted 10-14-04 Pinstriping handpainted by "Shakey"
Quote:
Originally Posted by shrtdog
What seems to be the issue with them?
When you press the key fob button the hatch only pops up a tiny bit. Barely enough to get your fingers under. It should pop all the way up without manually assisting it.
Some would like the rear cover to lift on its own when released , this would take a very strong strut and would have to be in perfect balance so you wouldn,t have to jump on it to close it again.
Most sport utilities rear gates do not lift on their own , most vehicles trunk lids do not open on their own except for some of the lighter ones.
The sturts are Gas filled and temperature changes seroiusly affects their operation as well.
__________________ 1932 Ford 2 Dr 1932 Ford Roadster 1938 Ford Deluxe 1941 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine 1947 Buick Roadmaster Conv 1959 Chev Impala 1963 Corvette Split Window 2004 SSR 2004 GMC Dually 2005 GMC Jimmy
My SSR: 04 Redline red #11672 born on 6-22-04 adopted 10-14-04 Pinstriping handpainted by "Shakey"
[quote=41chevcoe]Most sport utilities rear gates do not lift on their own , most vehicles trunk lids do not open on their own except for some of the lighter ones.
QUOTE]
But they have a handle or some sort of grip to hold on to when you open it. The SSR has you digging into the rubber seal with your fingers.
.....I'm getting wired
