Aftermarket Hard Top Window Struts

BeardorBust

SHIBBY
Original poster
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2023
Messages
32
Location
California
I inherited a 2004 X and the rear window struts were blown out. Ordered the most recommended ones on here but it appears as though the struts are like .5” too long. Not sure where to find a strut that will work and is only about 14” long.
 
Why do you think it’s too long? If you’re putting new cloth on it’s going to be tight. Some pics would help us help you.
 
Why do you think it’s too long? If you’re putting new cloth on it’s going to be tight. Some pics would help us help you.

It’s a hard top and there is like a half inch gap on one corner of the window holding it open.

image.webp
 
The lift struts are the same from 97-06 and are available everywhere - the local auto parts store, Jeep parts places, and just about ever online auto parts seller. I have replaced mine a couple of times with no issues.

What part number is on your struts?
 
The lift struts are the same from 97-06 and are available everywhere - the local auto parts store, Jeep parts places, and just about ever online auto parts seller. I have replaced mine a couple of times with no issues.

What part number is on your struts?

They are the standard ones, but this hard top is aftermarket.
 
I would but I can’t find any info on it. I’m assuming it was painted at some point and they covered any numbers that may lead to a manufacturer.

That's unfortunate. Someone may be able to identify the top with pictures. Do you still have the old struts that you can take collapsed and extended measurements from?
 
On the hardtop I had I could re-drill the mounts on the hardtop end of the strut. There’s quite a bit of material there to reposition the hardware. Just don’t drill all the way thru with the starter drill bit. That would be easier than rebuying struts till you found the perfect size.
 
It’s a hard top and there is like a half inch gap on one corner of the window holding it open.
Something else may be keeping the window from closing.
Did you look inside and confirm that the strut is fully compressed?
 
That's unfortunate. Someone may be able to identify the top with pictures. Do you still have the old struts that you can take collapsed and extended measurements from?

I do not, since only one side is open I never noticed it until recently.
For some reason I had softtop in my head. Glad you posted the pic to clarify for me.

no problem. I know I should have mentioned it since the X came with a soft top.
Something else may be keeping the window from closing.
Did you look inside and confirm that the strut is fully compressed?

struts are fully compressed
 
Have you compared the old and new struts side by side? Strut length is measured center to center of ball joints at full extension. The other spec is the lift capacity of each strut.
 
Can you loosen and adjust the strut hardware for the extra length? If one side fits I'd try to make the other side identical
 
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