posted 02-09-2006 08:52 AM         

They are not a dealer only item, go to a napa or car quest and get them. If you know the rate of the ones on the car go to the next lift rate size up. I did replace the ones on my trailer and they had 4 different rated shocks for it. You don't want to go too much or you could possibly bend the hood trying to lower the hood against the shock.

You can change them in less than 5 minutes.

I have not changed mine yet but need to.

They also do not work as well in cold weather. Maybe that is why AC and George do not have problems.

If you have the bra on the car it also adds to the weight of the hood and with cold weather and extra weight on the end cause the hood to want to drop easier.

posted 02-09-2006 09:08 AM         

Borderline pressure to begin with is the 'root of all evil' regarding the stock installation. LS Technologies' product has increased this pressure by 24%, a pressure after testing that should not be exceeded, mainly due to the composite materials used in the manufacture of the hood. If there is too much pressure, it could bend or misshape the hood.

There are three primary reasons for this strut failure:
1) Too little pressure to start with.
This explains why, as so many have, when we replace the unit with stock replacements, it is just a matter of time before those units also fail.
2) All units were probably made/shipped at roughly the same time, or at least in 'large' batches. There is a breakdown of gas molecules within the strut, causing the gas to pass out of the system over time. (Thus time=failure in so many of our cases too! It's not so much how many times you raise the hood, as the amount of time that passes that contributes to this aspect of the failure). His company has tested this by purchasing 'new' off-the-shelf products that have done just that... sit on the shelf... and found that products that claim, for example 55 psi, test out at 32-34 psi. You think you're getting a 55psi unit, and you're not, simply because of the shelf life of the product and the molecular breakdown.
3) Lubricant inside the strut also can break down when not in use. A strut should be stored vertically, to maintain a pressure on the system, and few are. When stored incorrectly the seal dries out, contributing once again to a failure of the system.

One of the key advantages to LS Technolgies product over 'others' is their ability to make pressure adjustments.
They check each/every unit as it leaves their plant to make sure the pressure is correct and seals are not leaking.

ALL THAT SAID, here comes the important stuff:

Steven has agreed to a GROUP PURCHASE for POA members.

Mr. Maxey's pair are stainless steel, which normally go for $100/each ($200/pair)....
"black" ones can be had for $80/each ($160/pr).
Either set-up will be using YOUR fittings located at the bottom of the struts.

LS Technologies has agreed to a group rate of:

$80 each/ $160 set for the stainless steel
... and ...
$50 each/ $100/set for the black

(not 5 units total, but 5 s.s. for that price, 5 blacks for that price)

THIS RATE is effective if/when we get 5 sets of each type.
This rate also DOES NOT include freight to you, which he primarily does business with UPS and it has been his experience that average is $19-$25 for most locations in USA.

..

Interested?
Please post here ... http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum10/HTML/000094.html ...
and let's see where this goes. And thanks to Stephen at LS Technologies for both the information and the offer! and thank you, Mr. Maxey!

posted 02-09-2006 12:03 PM         

quote:

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Originally posted by BeWare:
What is the estimated life expectancy of the LS Technologies shocks?

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posted 02-09-2006 01:54 PM         

quote:

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Originally posted by BeWare:
What is the estimated life expectancy of the LS Technologies shocks?

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Reply from Stephen:

Due to the fact that it has correct pressure, expect 4-5 years minimum.... there is a ONE-YEAR warranty. However, there is no reason to expect less than 4-5 years. Several factors, not limited to the mounting of these, which puts them in a horizontal position when not in use, and therefore will increase the possibility of seals drying out WHEN NOT USED at all (i.e. once/twice/year lift the hood at car shows, etc), this could decrease their life. When in normal use, however, there is no reason to not expect a longer life... approximately 1,000 lifts.

posted 02-09-2006 07:20 PM         

quote:

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Originally posted by ALLEY CAT:
Nope,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nobody else has had that problem!

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posted 02-09-2006 08:29 PM         

quote:

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Originally posted by Howard:
Ed:

AC was just joking.

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posted 02-09-2006 09:12 PM         

quote:

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Originally posted by Howard:
Ed:

AC was just joking.

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I had no clue! Thanks. I think people should be REQUIRED to put lol behind a statement when they are joking otherwise it can be confusing to some of us.

posted 02-10-2006 06:44 AM         

quote:

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Originally posted by meandmykitty:
I NOW HAVE A CUSTOM MADE STICK TO HOLD UP MY HOOD, YES IT IS ORANGE.

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CUSTOM MADE STICK? Well then you paid too much Rick! I found a nearly new broom sticking out of the neighbors garbage can,,,,,,,,,,FREE. I thought I seen two sets of air patrol pads in there also, but I don't humpster dive,,,just M/dive.

posted 02-10-2006 07:16 AM         

quote:

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Originally posted by meandmykitty:
I NOW HAVE A CUSTOM MADE STICK TO HOLD UP MY HOOD, YES IT IS ORANGE.

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I made a nice black stick for mine.....hopefully the new shocks will last a while.

posted 02-10-2006 09:11 AM         

quote:

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Originally posted by RED5:

If we need to we can pull a fast one on the dealer and swap the shocks on our cars....

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