front cabinet shock replacement

[Flame]

1998 concourse... Just to be sure, shouldn't the upper front large compartment between the tv and the stereo stay open when lifted? Mine will not and I assume I need a new shock. The shock holds it open and the hinge keeps it closed? On my bass boat the shock keeps it tightly shut also. How important are the "special" looking hinges?

[Flame]

Well, forgot to ask should the compartment open all the way straight out? This front compartment will but all the smaller ones along the sides only open maybe a little more than 1/2 way. Is that correct?

[Blue~Go]

Pretty sure I did a post about replacing the struts. It's very common for them to lose their "oomph" and either not stay up, or open only partway and stay up. Replacing them is a ten minute job, and then they are like new. I'll search out the link and post it here shortly.

Okay, here you go:

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15&hilit=strut+cabinet

Note that you don't necessarily have to get just one specific brand. As long as the size and "poundage" is correct.

[Skillet]

One of mine failed a couple years ago so I just went ahead and replaced them all. Very simple process, just make sure you measure how long they are and read the label for how many pounds they support when ordering. Well worth having them done to bring them back to life.

[Flame]

Well I went ahead and purchased a aftermarket shock in 40# for the big front cabinet for $16.95 and free freight. Installed in 5 minutes and I LOVE IT !! I wanted to try this company out with one before I ordered 6 more for the side cabinets. I will be ordering the other 6 now!! Question...? I really like the "power" and not only hold open but just as important it holds it closed tightly of the 40# over the 30#. Would a 30# for the side doors be ok? I really want them to stay shut real good while driving or should I go with 20# like originals? They are the same price.

[Blue~Go]

Personally, I would stay with the 20#. Here is why

1) I have never, never had one of the doors come open with the 20# struts (I replaced the old sagging ones with new 20# ones when I bought the Chinook).

2) The 20# strut holds them open just fine (and my cabinets had the very heavy oak doors).

3) The stronger the strut, the more stress it places on the door, the hardware, and the attaching fasteners. I could tell the difference between the 30# and 40# on the front cabinet (I treated it very carefully with the heavier strut, which I only used because I could not get the company to replace a defective 30# one with another 30# one ).

Bigger strut, bigger slam if you aren't careful, and more power on the screws, door panels, etc. So since there is no need, I wouldn't.

[Flame]

Thanks Blue, All makes sense. I will be careful opening and closing the large compartment now and I will just order the 20# for 6 side cabinets. FYI SPD shock company got bought out by another. Part # for example : SPD-4900-20 is the same number but a different prefix. New number would be GSNI-4900-20. I called them and 1-5 units cost $30 each! Only if you buy 6 or more can you get them for $16.95 each. They suggested I buy from one of their retailers that could sell me qty. 1 for $16.95. That is what I did.

[chin_k]

I was about to tell you that you only need 5, and wonder if your Chinook has a different configuration than most of us. It is funny how quantity discount works, since you will pay more if you only get 4@$30. It make no sense to people like me who not into accounting.

I wonder if you want to get 10, and send 5 of them to some people here who need to replace them and split the shipping etc. This way, you will not have to keep the spare around (but it can be a good thing to have around if one of them turns out to be defective???). Probably too much hassle to do this, I guess.

[Flame]

Well I must admit Because I am such a new owner of my Concourse I was thinking there is 3 cabinets on each side. I will only be ordering 5. Thanks for pointing that out!! I will get 5 from the same company that sold me the individual #30 shock for $16.95. I will order the #20 pound ones. They will be $16.95 each and free shipping also. Silly me. Forgot about the big clock in the middle.

[Astrodokk]

That happened to me just today as I was reading the other thread Blue linked to.
He's talking about getting 5 and I'm thinking that his rig is weird bc I have six small doors. But hey, it made me get up from my comfortable chair just to go look and sure enough, 5 small doors, but 2 (TWO) big ones!
I'm about to order them but wanted to confirm that they are the 7.5" ones, center ball to center ball extended, and they are.