I'm at wits end and tired of having my head or hands smashed. I have a '91 XJ, and the rear hatch shock-lifters suck. The right was is fine, but the driver-side lifter always pops off the top ball-thing whenever I am raising it or lowering the hatch.

Has anyone ever had this issue and resolved it? Or even better, do they make a locking arm kit, like let's say you open the hatch, and then lock the arms so they hold it up?

Thanks guys.

 

I use an axle handle on one of mine. I found a nice place it fits without slipping. Probably not the type of answer you were looking for.

 

If you look at the "socket" part of the lift gate shock, there should be a tiny hole. That is for a retainer pin to hold it on the ball. Its shape kinda like a horse shoe IIRC. You might be able to get another one in the "help" section at the parts house, or you might have to get another shock, they'll come with a new pin.....JY would have a bunch too.

 

I would say get a new pin at the Junk Yard or maybe a paper clip will be the right size. I know I got some a the JY before.

 

is the retaing clip on the top post

 

That's what I thought it was with the first shock I had replaced. But even the second one is doing it. It just seems like it wants to pop loose from the ball, like nothing is holding it in place. But when it pops off, and I put it back on and turn it slightly, it will stay in place until I open it up again.

I really wish I had a welder and such to fab up my own locking arms. I would feel much safer. Just bolt those suckers right in, no worries of pop offs, and I could lift and close the hatch at my own speed.

 

just get a new shock at pep boys or oreilly or whatever they're only 10-20 bucks. It will come with new retaining clips

 

I had a similar experience with my 94 XJ - except it was the drivers-side. I turned the shock 180 degrees ( in other words flip the top and bottom shock ends) and it's held ever since.

 

yes they make a thing that screws onto the shock and tightens down.

 

do you have the little metal wire clips inserted thru the small holes in the strut?