V-drive Locker Door Gas Shocks failing rapidly

[edozier]

Greetings,

I bought my 2001 23V about 3 months ago and have been having fits with the gas shocks that hold the locker doors open. They were both weak when I bought the boat. So I looked up the part number (SPD GSNI-5250-60) and ordered 2 new ones from SPD directly. Installing them was a breeze, however, on the second trip out with the new shocks, one of the heads pulled off of the rod (crappy press-fit metal threads in a plastic head) when a wave hit the boat with the door open. I was able to press it back in and added glue to help firm it up. The very next trip, my other brand new rod has no pressure and will not hold the door open at all.

I e-mailed the company and their response was quite snarky. They just sent me a screenshot of some company policy I couldn't find on their website that states the buyer has 60 days to complain of defects otherwise there is no written or implied warranty.

My 3 questions are:

1. Is it normal to have these things fail this often?
2. Is there a better vendor out there for buying these things from that stand behind their products?
3. Is there a modification I can make to the door to sort of "lock" it in the up position so that it doesn't rely on those shocks?

Thanks!

[TWOhunter]

I bought a 2005 22V in January and the door that covers the motor has two shocks. This boat only had 200 hours. One of them was bent and the other one has already failed and the dealer just took them off and we are going to have them fix this winter. It would seem that they need some that are more "heavy duty" IMO.

[nmriordan]

I had to replace the same shocks on my 02 20v a couple years ago when I bought it (engine hatch and both rear lockers). I believe I ordered them from the same vendor as you. I've had no problems.

To answer your questions:

1. No, not in my experience. If I were you I'd expect shocks that last for many years without problems.
2. I'd be disappointed (putting it lightly/kindly) if I received the response you did. I believe there are countless vendors that could provide a similar product with better customer service and reliability. Most auto part stores should be able to help; just pop the shock off and bring it with you.
3. Not sure on this as I never ride/drive with hatches open. I imagine using a shock with a higher weight rating could help with this but not positive that would work.

Personally, I'd expect better service than what you've described (regardless of policies). The items are pretty cheap but it is the principle of the matter in my opinion. I'd try following up with them one more time to see if they do a 180 and make it right, as they should.

On a somewhat related note, anyone ever added a small shock to keep the glove compartment lid open (for easier stereo head unit access). Should be pretty simple but figured I'd see if anyone else had done that.

[Matt Garcia]

Mine kept coming off the sockets. See my thread here, http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...ep-popping-off

[edozier]

Thanks for the info. I sent a reply e-mail back as soon as I received the first correspondence, so I'm not expecting great things from these people. I'm going to go pay a visit to NAPA with one of the old shocks to find a replacement. Chances are it'll be made by SPD , but at least NAPA will stand behind their products.

I think I'll also add some fiber strap that holds the door at max open to prevent the door for flexing beyond the shock travel. I'll sometimes get caught by a big roller on our lake while I'm filling or emptying fat sacs with the door open and it seems to be hard on the shocks as they weren't designed for that kind tension force

Thanks!

[IDBoating]

Keep in mind the automotive ones aren't all stainless steel like the marine specific ones. NAPA may not automatically give you stainless without you asking.

[edozier]

At a lifetime of about 3 months, I'm not sure it would have time to corrode before it fails.