moda_way

Well, I just finished putting in trunk shocks instead of having those fk'd up torsion bars. BTW, the plastic piece on my trunk wouldn't hold the torsion bars and after 5 attempts at having it replaced, I'm done with it.

I used the following instructions:

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-2004-2008-124/gas-springs-replacement-tsx-trunk-write-up-finally-finished-310278/

Couple of items to be aware of:

1. When taking the torsion bars out, make sure you have a brace on the trunk. Nearly took my leg off when the last torsion bar came off. Am left with a minimal limp.

2. I used 90lb shocks and they really only take the weight off with the trunk down, but become active after 1/2 way open. I'm thinking of getting some 120 lbs shocks because when my torsion bars worked, I like how it popped open about 30% the way up.

3. I used sheet metal screws and pilot drilled holes.

4. Once the torsion springs are off and you have the trunk all the way open, THEN start the install.

5. On the driver side, you do have a few wire looms to deal with, but they never get caught up in the works, so that's was a relief.

6. I CAN FINALLY GET MY LITTLE BOYS STROLLER IN THE CAR!!! (Sorry, that is important to me). I did get a little more clearance.

7. All the parts mention in the thread above are correct and the total cost of the project, a little more than $50.

Didn't take any pictures because the thread above does a great job.

If I had to rate the satisfaction of this mod... I'd give it a 7 out of 10 since it doesn't pop the trunk up like it used to, but the rest of it is great.

GIBSON6594

Thanks for the write-up man

CJams

I think this is sucha good mod! I haven't done it yet, but I am sure I will in the future. The write up says to use 80lb shocks. 90lb ers don't pop up the trunk when you hit the switch? I thought they did for sure! hmmm.

moda_way

It pops up just enough to grab underneath the opening. The shocks take over after you raise the trunk about 40-50% of the way and push the trunk to full open. At first I was like, "DAMN!!!", but now I'm really not that upset about it. I would take some video of it, but I don't have a place to host it.

gsclifton

iTrader: (2)

I used 80lbs and just have a lip spoiler. My lid pops maybe an 1" and that is it. However, as stated already, it t takes minimal effort to lift anyway. It is a good mod if you ask me.

CCColtsicehockey

yea i like the mod. I have the oem spoiler and 90lb shocks. My trunk doesnt even look like it is popped when you pop it but it goes up so easy when you lift it. Also i have no more sub rattles. I think the car should be sold this way I dont see what would cost so much to do so. Very well worth the money mod in my opinion.

moda_way

Overall, I absolutely agree. I mean it is very quite (especially for me now since it never worked on my car). I can't see increasing the pounds of force because it would make for a brutal stroke at the top. As soon as virus7 posts my vid, you'll notice there is plenty of force. Also, it closes VERY nicely too.

CCColtsicehockey

I should buy all the parts and make instructions and sell the kits on ebay.

leftride

iTrader: (1)

just make the instuctions, and then when someone orders it, just order the parts online and have them shipped to their house.

moda_way

I would agree. Why have the cost of inventory to deal with. McMaster got me the parts in 3 business days.

leftride

iTrader: (1)

here is the video from moda_way's trunk install

Trunk Shock Video

moda_way

Thanks for hosting virus7!! If anyone wants specific shots, let me know. I can host pics, just not video.

gsclifton

iTrader: (2)

That is about 100% accurate for mine using 80lbs with a lip spoiler. Again, the mod is really cool.

curls

Watched that video -- does anyone think that the top 1/3 of the travel is a bit fast? It seems to slam to the top once it gets going. I don't know if this is normal for all shock-trunks, but it seems a bit on the violent side.

Opinions?

moda_way

I thought the same too when I watched the video, but that is me completely letting go as you see. I normally don't open it that way, but I wanted to demonstrate where the shocks take over fully.

I think that is due to the 90lbs shocks reaching their max. The trunk arms actually have a little more swing to them, like a 1/4", so the shocks are actually reaching their max throw.

yuhoo22

very nice mod....this is helpful to get a little more clearance in the trunk and makes the trunk look very clean.

xizor

bumping this thread up, did anyone try the 120lb ones?

my stock torsion bars are dead from my lip spoiler (I have a slightly larger than m3 one), right now when I unlock my trunk it just pops up like moda_way's does in the video. I prefer the 30% open that new stock torsion bars do, but I'm afraid that the 120lb will slam into the bumpstops even harder than moda_ways.

CCColtsicehockey

I have 90lbs with my spoon spoiler.

xizor

Can you take a video of how your trunk pops up? Do it just release or does it raise itself some?

moda_way

It would be the same as mine, I have the 90lbs too. Honestly, I never open my trunk the way I did in the video, so I don't get that violent bump.

EDIT

It just pops up. The shocks are basically the opposite of the torsion bars. The bars don't do much at the 50% open whereas the shocks take the trunk all the way to open from 50% per the video.

moda_way

Thought I'd update this thread since on of the mounting ball brackets broke on Friday June 30th. I believe it is because the shock on the opposite side was extending further and putting more pressure on this mount. I'm going to have to adjust the driver's side shock to be a bit longer so it doesn't bottom out.

CCColtsicehockey

hmm I havent had any trouble with mine however your trunk probably gets opened more than mine since my car isnt always being used.

moda_way

I replace the mounted ball bracket and having the trunk completely open, I adjusted the driver's side shock to be the same length. I think what was happening was that the drivers side, because of mounting location, was shorter, so it had a lot of force pulling on it. As anything undergoing forces like this, the metal fatigued and broke.

I'm back to "normal" now.

acn684

I noticed that you didn't use the inner handle to close ur trunk.

moda_way

Do you mean from the video? Yeah, that was for demonstration purposes to better show the force. I always use that handle in daily operation.

acn684

ah haha okay, understood.

vthree

iTrader: (1)

soo if i do this install.. do i need to adjust the driver's side shock?? also... upon regular opening.. the trunk wont bang like that right?!??!?! lol. im scared my stupid oem REPLICA spoiler. might fall off in pieces or something. lol

moda_way

Honestly, I think maybe 3 ppl on this forum have done this. Keep your setup OEM b/c it isn't for the faint of heart to do and the OEM is nice. I had no other choice as my tortion bars kept breaking loose and after 4 trips to the stealership and not resolution, I took matters into my own hands.

yungwunn911

moda_way, from what i've been reading so far, you are the king of DIYs...

i wish i had that skill to do this.

moda_way

Thanks, but KING of DIY is really JTso. I'm just a JTso wannabe.

CCColtsicehockey

I love this mod though. the car should have come from the factory this way.