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Is there a direct replacement for the struts/shocks of the bed cover?

2573 Views 15 Replies 10 Participants Last post by kart3d, Jul 4, 2021

Leandro Lozano

Discussion Starter · Jun 30, 2021

I see some used online, but they come with hinges included and mine are fine, so I'm wondering if there is a third party pair of shocks by themselves for sale that would perfectly replace them without having to do any modifications.

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wizzr

· #2 · Jun 30, 2021

The tonneau is the panel that covers the roof when it is down. It has hydraulic cylinders, not shock. The bed cover, on the other hand, uses struts (shocks) to hold the bed cover up. Which are you looking for?

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yellow bear

· #3 · Jun 30, 2021

che

Leandro Lozano said:
I see some used online, but they come with hinges included and mine are fine, so I'm wondering if there is a third party pair of shocks by themselves for sale that would perfectly replace them without having to do any modifications.

ck aftermarket replacement parts here,,, Simple Engineering, LLC – Chevy SSR Aftermarket Parts, Accessories and Repair Solutions The gas struts are Mfg'd by LST in Canada and have better seals and pressure. They also have a generous warranty. Don't let price scare you, the cheapies will just disappoint you. Go for the Goods, you'll be happy.

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Leandro Lozano

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 30, 2021

wizzr said:
The tonneau is the panel that covers the roof when it is down. It has hydraulic cylinders, not shock. The bed cover, on the other hand, uses struts (shocks) to hold the bed cover up. Which are you looking for?

Thanks for pointing that out, I'm looking for the struts of the bed cover

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richsadams

· #5 · Jun 30, 2021

Leandro Lozano said:
Thanks for pointing that out, I'm looking for the struts of the bed cover

Mike’s your guy then!

LST Cargo Cover Support Struts – Simple Engineering, LLC

simple-engineering.com

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Leandro Lozano

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 30, 2021

richsadams said:
Mike’s your guy then!

LST Cargo Cover Support Struts – Simple Engineering, LLC

simple-engineering.com

THANK YOU found it!

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yellow bear

· #7 · Jun 30, 2021

Leandro I saw you're in San Diego. I may be able to help you with some parts/support over there.

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yellow bear

· #8 · Jul 1, 2021

Some late MY '04 have the later hinges and longer struts. You'll probably need to measure the strut in the "open/extended" position to get an Idea as to which struts you Need. A second person will be helpful to do the install, but it's not a "rocket ship surgery" procedure... Mike gives you step-by-step instructions to the easiest way to install All of his parts.

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rcg530

· #9 · Jul 1, 2021

Here's my video showing the installation of the LST struts sold by Simple Engineering, LLC.

It covers the point about there being two different strut lengths due to GM trying to resolve the issue in later model year(s) [2006 I believe] with redesigned hinge brackets that required a longer strut cartridge. Some earlier model year SSRs might have the updated hinge brackets installed if they were retrofitted into that SSR in an attempt by GM/dealership to the resolve the problem of the cargo lid barely opening (which it didn't fix).

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ByronF

· #10 · Jul 1, 2021

I just recently replaced the bed struts on my 05 SSR using the video done by @RetroCarGuy530 as a guide. Was very easy to install. The only hard part was not laughing when my wife who was holding the deck lid almost hit the floor from the weight of the lid when I popped off the second strut. Even though I warned her that she would have to hold the full weight for a few seconds.

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Mike in AZ

· #11 · Jul 1, 2021

yellow bear said:
Some late MY '04 have the later hinges and longer struts. You'll probably need to measure the strut in the "open/extended" position to get an Idea as to which struts you Need. A second person will be helpful to do the install, but it's not a "rocket ship surgery" procedure... Mike gives you step-by-step instructions to the easiest way to install All of his parts.

Hey Fuji....

The “New Style” hinges actually were incorporated on the production line in the very last week of SSR factory production. I have seen a couple of FPR trucks that were built in that week and yes, the did have the ”New Style” hinges.
The big issue is that GM offered a “Free” Service Bulletin for any SSR that complained about the deck lid not opening. The resulting scatter of “New Style” hinges across all four years of production creates a lot of confusion. The best thing to do is look at the photograph of the two types of hinges side-by-side. The difference is obvious.

Best Regards, my friend.

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xoxoxoBruce

· #12 · Jul 1, 2021

Wasn't there some issue about hard saddlebag interference?

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Mike in AZ

· #13 · Jul 1, 2021

xoxoxoBruce said:
Wasn't there some issue about hard saddlebag interference?

Yes...... You are correct, Bruce.
The only difference between the newer hinges and the original ones is a small elongated plate welded to the bottom of the mounting bracket. This plate moves the lower pivot point for the pneumatic strut down and forward far enough that it runs into the lid of the hard saddlebag.

Except for the ones that the owner cut a hole in his hard saddlebag (yes, I saw it first hand) to clear the bracket, all of the “Newer Hinges” are on vehicles with soft saddlebags or no saddlebags.

The change in the hinges was absolutely not needed by GM. It did not change any of the geometry of the hinge or actually improve the lid opening. All it did was create havoc in the configuration management for the deck lid struts after the product line shut down.

Regards,

Mike

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jackatg450

· #14 · Jul 1, 2021

It got a new set of struts free of charge. Although I did have to go back to the dealer and supervise the adjustment of the deck lid because the "mechanic" said it could not be adjusted. (They did not last very long. I have had Mikes struts since Flagstaff Rally. Still going strong.)
Jack

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kart3d

· #15 · Jul 4, 2021

Leandro Lozano said:
Thanks for pointing that out, I'm looking for the struts of the bed cover

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kart3d

· #16 · Jul 4, 2021

While you are ordering the lid struts it,s more important to put new roof struts on.. Roof assist is more important than the lid

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