Suzuki Jimny Mods, DIY Builds & Camping Videos
Suzuki Jimny Mods, DIY Builds & Camping Videos

How to replace the Jimny stock gas strut to allow 90º tailgate door opening

Geordie Jimny > Jimny Modifications > How to replace the Jimny stock gas strut to allow 90º tailgate door opening

There are a few situations where replacing the stock tailgate gas strut with a longer one will be of benefit to you. The main reason is accessibility and the perhaps less important one is function.

With significant plans for the rear of the camper this year I set about testing the different sizes of gas struts and numerous forces (N).

Let’s talk about the main reason for the change.

Accessibility

If you’re adding some sort of base deck with drawers, fridge sliders or even during general use the tailgate not fully opening can be a problem. I have the tailgate molle panel installed to optimise small items storage and extending the opening is especially useful for our needs.

In the photograph below you can see the angle at which the stock gas strut opens the door. It’s a less than optimal angle in my humble opinion but I’m sure Suzuki have their reasons.

I forgot to read the actual angle but you can see it below.

The standard gas strut measures 48cm in length including the ball sockets. The end fixings are 10mm ball sockets.

The best length for 90º

I’ve experimented with 4 different gas strut lengths that open the door from 90º and slightly beyond. In my view trying to extend beyond 90º is a bad idea. It can get aggressive on the hinges past 90º if you don’t dial in the force perfectly. Too much and it literally shakes the vehicle if you leave it to open unaided. It also feels awkward in practice, as if it’s broken. I suspect it’s not wise even if you find the perfect settings for your gas strut, maybe someone with more knowledge on this can share in the comments.

The final size I ended up using was the GS8-18-200-250 Fixed Force Gas Strut from SGS Engineering. It is 45cm long with a force of 250N. You enter the force before you add it to your basket.

Please note: I paid for this with my own money, no discounts, no kick backs etc for sharing their link.

It turned out that the specifications I was told to get early in this process from instagram buddies was spot on. In the spirit of experimentation I still wanted to try different configurations to make sure. This is the product many Australian Jimmy owners go for GOLIATH 250N X 502MM BLACK MEDIUM PRESSURE GAS STRUT.

UPDATE: Oli the Jimny mentioned some issues with the Goliath gas strut. Cheers mate!

Side note: I maybe miss out by refusing to use Facebook every day but Instagram is as much time thievery I want to allow a social media company.

The total length of the GS8-18-200-250 including the end fixings (Stainless Steel 10mm Ball Sockets to fit M6 thread) is 50cm.

Here’s the stock gas strut alongside the replacement strut. As you can see there’s only a marginal increase required to achieve the 90º opening.

Here’s a link to their fitting guide, anyone can do it. Obviously make sure the door doesn’t swing out and into a wall when you remove the stock gas strut. Be careful not to jam your fingers in the door, it’s not heavy but you certainly don’t want it slamming onto your fingers.

The resulting angle is perfect. You can even get good clearance with fully packed molle pouches on the tailgate, so that’s the result I wanted.

Here’s a few slideshows so you can switch between the before and after shots to see the difference. I also though it prudent to show the change in how far the spare wheel protrudes on the side of the car when the door is fully open. Owners with narrower garages may need to factor this in.

Stock gas strut opening
Side view open on stock gas strut
Opened at 90 degrees
Side view with tailgate open at 90 degrees

Function

The force of the stock gas strut looks like it may be 280N based upon the picture below. Don’t quote me on that it may just be a product code coincidence. If that is true then it’s a force of 28.5kg according to our Google overlord.

I decided to go with less force than the way Suzuki have specified it. 250N which 25.5kg.

There has been occasions, particularly in supermarket car parks where the force of stock gas strut means the door opens fully when you don’t want it too. I’ve had to quickly throw shopping bags in the back and grab the door to stop it hitting a bollard, wall or worse still another vehicle.

Yes, you might argue this is a non-issue and I’m perhaps nitpicking to help justify the mod. However, I do prefer having to move the door to where I want it. As you will see on the instagram footage below the force of 250N helps the door to open slowly and unaided (on flat ground) after the first ~30º. I’m forfeiting some of the automatic opening of the door initially.

Depending upon the angle at which the car is parked. On a slope towards the engine the door will open easier of its own accord. The opposite is true of sloping in the other direction, the door will need more assistance from you to open it fully. Likely it will start to self close if you leave go before it’s reached halfway open.

One of the reasons this accessory exists is part of the need to control the door opening better. Here’s part of the product description.

Using the Tailgate Stopper Belt, you can limit how far the tailgate opens by holding it in place while you go about your business. No more holding the tailgate nervously with one hand to stop it from swinging open while trying to load your luggage one-handed! Perfect for supermarket car parks and those who park on the street regularly.

I may have to increase the force in future as I have some other modifications in progress for the tailgate. For now this seems okay. Your opinion in practice may vary if you have 16″ wheels and a heavy tyre mounted along with a ladder. Perhaps adding a little more force will be better for you? I could not comment on that without trying it but certainly don’t go for less than 250N.

A word of warning, too much force is very disconcerting when it rockets to a stop and wobbles the car. That’s not a nice feeling.

I hope this blog helps anyone looking to carry out a similar change to their Jimny.

Cheers, Paul

Paul @GeordieJimny
About the author

I created Geordie Jimny out of my passion for the Suzuki Jimny, camping and creating things. I share it all here, on my YouTube channel and Instagram.
19 Responses
  1. Avatar photo
    Mark D

    Hi Paul,
    Thought I’d revisit this post, as it is something I am thinking of doing in the near future now. Just one question, have you notice whether it seems to pull the wires going to the tailgate tight? I only ask as I have read that someone tried to do similar, and they though it put too much tension on the wires.

    1. Paul @GeordieJimny
      Geordie Jimny

      Hi Mark, can’t say i have noticed that. Everything works perfectly and the wiring isn’t moving much further than normal. The distance difference is very small to achieve the 90° opening.

      Cheers
      Paul

    1. Paul @GeordieJimny
      Geordie Jimny

      Ciao Ilaria, Qualsiasi ammortizzatore a gas che puoi acquistare localmente con una lunghezza totale di 500 mm e 250N dovrebbe andare bene. Ne comprerei uno con prese a sfera in metallo anziché in plastica. Buona fortuna

  2. Avatar photo
    Liam

    Hi Paul. Hope you’re well! I’m about to hit buy on the gastrut. Just wanted to check all is in order and you dont have any other recommendation?
    Cheers, Liam

    1. Paul @GeordieJimny
      Geordie Jimny

      Hi Liam, mine is still working fine. Make sure you order the stainless steel fittings for the ends and the total combined length is ~500mm

      Cheers
      Paul

  3. Avatar photo
    Katie

    Hi! Just bought the new 90 degree and very excited to install! Thanks for the advice and info! Do you have a tutorial on how to take the current gas strut off or have a link for one because I am struggling!
    Cheers
    Katie

  4. Avatar photo
    Eli

    Hi mate, thanks for the write up!

    Just had a question.
    Did you measure 500mm from the end of the fittings or from the centre of the fittings?
    Was just about to buy a 500mm strut but then realised yours was only 450mm. Do the end fittings make up a whole 50mm end to end?

    If that’s the case and I bought a 500mm strut then i’m assuming the combined length with the fittings will be too long.

    I did buy the Goliath 502mm strut but returned it before install – after reading this.

    Cheers!

      1. Avatar photo
        Eli

        Okay i think i just wrapped my head around it haha.
        So your total length would actually be 488mm because your fittings are only 19mm to the centre which would be the actual effective length.

        So I should be looking for a 488mm strut + end fittings combo for your exact setup ????

        1. Paul @GeordieJimny
          Geordie Jimny

          Hi mate the full length with fittings attached on the one I bought is exactly 500mm long.

          Whatever one you buy it needs to end up measuring at least 500mm, that is why the Goliath one is 502mm I believe.

  5. Avatar photo
    Lucas

    Good evening from France !
    Thank you for the very detailed description.
    I have installed a front runner ladder on the back of my Jimny and I plan to put your Jimny style tailgate on it.
    With a Nakatenga bag on the wheel + tailgate + ladder, do you think 250 N is enough force or should I increase it?

    Thanks in advance for your answer!

    1. Paul @GeordieJimny
      Geordie Jimny

      Hi Lucas, I think you’ll need more force as if I park mine on a slope the door starts to close. The reason I left it the way it is was to avoid too powerful an opening on the hinges. I’d probably go with more NM if I ever replace it and likely buy an adjustable force strut so I can dial it in perfectly. That’s probably a better solution for you and your set up.

      Cheers

      1. Avatar photo
        Lucas

        Thanks for your time.
        If 280NM is the original force and yours 250, maybe 260 or 270 will be fine I guess .
        Do you have an idea of brand for an adjustable force strut ? Never heard about It but it would be perfect depending on the configuration of the rear door for daily or off road use.
        Cheers.

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Paul @GeordieJimny
Geordie Jimny
Best comment on the blog! Would you like to write an even more detailed guest...
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Daniel
Hi There! First, thank you for this blog. We have followed this for awhile and...
Paul @GeordieJimny
Geordie Jimny
Hi, I hear there’s something coming soon to help do that. Keep an eye on...
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roberto
hello Geordie, did you know how is it possible to lock the tailgate in open...
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Dave
Just got my jimny roof bars from front runner and yes they come with rubber...
Paul @GeordieJimny
Geordie Jimny
Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers Paul
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Joelle
Love reading this, thanks for helping me with my new Jimny! ????