[delta]

Well, I ordered two new trunk shocks and went to put them on my 2008 GT convertible, but it’s not obvious how to replace them, and accessing the bottom end of them seems difficult. I have a service manual (whether it’s complete or not is beyond me) but couldn’t seem to find directions.

Do I just take a pry bar and pop them off, then squeeze the new ones on? I gently pried (with a trim popper, see photo), but I didn’t want to put that much pressure on the hardtop’s trunk arms.

 

[boomer]

There is a black clip that you can just see to the right of the pry bar you are holding. It is semi-circular and has a small gap that you can get a screwdriver in. You can either pull it out enough to release the ball joint where you have the pry bar or you can push / shimmy it up and out of the way and the support will just lift off. Same clip is on the bottom and you are right that it is hard to get to. Personally I found it easier to slowly lift / shimmy them towards the end of the strut. It is sitting in a slot that is open to the top and bottom. Hope that makes sense.

 

[delta]

Thank you! I did notice the clip on the current shocks. I'll try working at that clip tomorrow.

The new parts (listed as compatible with the old part number) don't have a clip or a place to put one, though. Hopefully they just push into place.

 

[boomer]

My replacements had a pin combined with a small clip that held the pin in place. Not as robust as the originals but unlikely the strut will come off.
https://www.g6ownersclub.com/forum/12-problems-solutions/8561-convertible-trunk-doesnt-stay-up-cold-weather-2.html#post200481

 

[buzz1009]

The struts I bought on eBay had the clips and installed just fine about four years ago. Seem to be a bit stronger than the originals.

 

[dxG6]

... but it’s not obvious how to replace them, and accessing the bottom end of them seems difficult...

Correct on both counts. The lower attachment point requires a fair amount of fiddling to figure out. Be very, very careful not to get your fingers into places where they can be damaged. Someone should make a video, once you know how to do it it's not hard. I don't remember how it's done except I do remember it didn't take any unusual tools.

Edit: And make sure the new struts are the same length (center to center) as the originals. See my other thread:
https://www.g6ownersclub.com/forum/12-problems-solutions/50637-convertible-trunk-lid-adjustment.html

 

[acinakc]

Well, I ordered two new trunk shocks and went to put them on my 2008 GT convertible, but it’s not obvious how to replace them, and accessing the bottom end of them seems difficult. I have a service manual (whether it’s complete or not is beyond me) but couldn’t seem to find directions.

Do I just take a pry bar and pop them off, then squeeze the new ones on? I gently pried (with a trim popper, see photo), but I didn’t want to put that much pressure on the hardtop’s trunk arms.

Where did you order the shocks from? I put an order in last month (forget where) and they were out of stock.

 

[Convertme]

Where did you order the shocks from? I put an order in last month (forget where) and they were out of stock.

I originally ordered the pm1078 from lift support depot on Amazon.
They ended up replacing them with strong arm 6774s. I am happy so far.

Convertme

 

[acinakc]

Thanks for the info. Just ordered them.

 

[Convertme]

Good luck... Be sure to read dxg6's thread as he notes in post#6

 

[acinakc]

Just finished the trunk shock install. Went well. About 1/2 hour. Lost both bottom clips on the old shocks (L and R) during removal, so hope they don’t rattle. The replacement shocks seemed to be the exact length of the OEMS. Top still works. Trunk is now harder to open so it stays in the up position much better, in 70 degree F weather. Hope it works as well in 20 degrees F.

 

[Convertme]

Thanks for posting your results. I wish more people would do so. Yes both of my cars will stay in the exact position they have been left in. I hope they last a long time.
If you can avoid using the trunk when it is cold is your best bet for longevity!