Camper Shell/Truck Topper Lift Support Replacement

[@DayClanTribe]

Was very helpful video, thanks! Only thing is the struts should be "rod down" and could be why it failed and shaft eventually bent. Lubricating oil needs to be on top. Notice it was even stated on the failed strut.

[@therealdeborarogers]

Thank you! You gave me all the info I was searching for.

[@JV-fu8br]

2020 & this video still saving us money or some freaking time doing a return back on the wrong item, thank you thepracticalmechanic !!!!

[@POLOAZTECA]

Thanks for the video bro... I'm helping My Dad replacing his old non working shocks. He'll be happy!

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Glad I could help

[@katzkatcher]

Thanks for posting this video .I've been fighting my topper for years they are reasonable on Amazon . Now i can retire my vice grip to the tool box lol

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Dennis B. Thanks for watching. Vise grips or a broom handle works wonders but it gets old. I tried getting the lift supports from the local parts store and they wanted almost $40 each. Amazon seems to have just about everything.

[@jmjosemora16]

Man bro! Really appreciate this video. You taught me something I will never forget. 👍👍👍👍

[@ericscherff8881]

Lots of good information about how to measure and what is important, but the only spec provided about purchasing a new one is the weight rating. But how do you pick out the proper length? Is it the fully extended length, the collapsed length or some other calculation?

[@tim656]

Fully extended length

[@powellvalley]

Any suggestions on the ball socket size? I’m seeing a lot of 10 and 13 mm but I’m not sure on how to measure that.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

I've never seen a 13mm ball used in any application even though they show a few option in the catalogs. You will have to remove one end of the strut and measure across the diameter of the ball. Or grab a 10mm wrench and use the open end of the wrench and see if it is approximately the same size as the ball.

[@chonghwang8028]

That’s why I couldn’t order it yet. My Suspa part numbers are hard to find I don’t know if I just should buy same length and lifting power even different stock number.

[@dynomike1964]

Thanks lots of info without a lot of jibberjabber

[@newvilla8115]

But which number do you use ro buy one? The extended or compressed length?

[@tim656]

Extended

[@ffhjvbuydb78eb]

Mine is different. On my 98 dodge its not like that in the video. Mine rusted off so yeah I dont know what the hell to do. Might take a pic of it and post it here......have to look again at it

[@glennredwine289]

ARE THOSE brackets that the strut attaches to removable? I have a strut that is riveted to the bracket on the shell and is then screwed into the shell with tiny screws. How do I change that?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Most of the time the brackets stay on the door and the shell. You should be able to remove the strut from the bracket by removing the retaining clip. I have had to replace the rivets on many toppers because they get loose or break over time.

[@glennredwine289]

@@ThePracticalMechanic Ok thank you so much! I drove my Dakota w/the camper shell last Thx day & Christmas from Long Beach, Ca to Nashville, TN since I didn't wasnt to get on a plane and saved at least $210 each way sleeping in the back of my truck. Got down to 17°F in Gallup, NM.

[@stevesmith728]

Why did you install the new struts upside down?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Nice catch!! I even show the writing in the video where it clearly states to mount with rod down. No reason other than installer error. I was matching the new one to the old one. The old ones were either install upside down also or they were designed to be installed in that orientation. Thanks for catching that.

[@stevesmith728]

@@ThePracticalMechanic Thanks for taking the time to make and post the strut video. I just ordered new struts for my 11 year old truck cap.

[@thepoitinpimp9816]

@@ThePracticalMechanic i have the same camper on my truck and the shocks were installed the same way rod up

[@deaddropsd1972]

August 15, 2024 Thanks paL !

[@benaiahw2898]

Thanks, a little knowledge = great savings👍🏽

[@wcedgar]

Thanks Pal! You helped me a lot. WC

[@atlhammer]

Thank you for posting this. I think I’ve got it now. LEER charges an arm & a leg, or I would’ve already let them replace mine.

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

No problem Scott. I priced some from my local napa store and they were way too expensive. Especially for my beat up campershell. The Amazon ones are very affordable. Thanks for stopping by. 👍🏻

[@rogerfarmer8919]

Great video. Very informative. Thanks for sharing !

[@johnnyhostler827]

Do you have a link for the shocks

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Johnny Hostler these are the ones I used. Double check the length. amzn.to/2nNHVI1

[@timbutler3213]

Looks like washington state?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

Colorado. Unfortunately all my pine trees are dying one by one. Need to start from scratch one of these days.

[@timbutler3213]

@@ThePracticalMechanic from beetles or from all the chemtrails they spray on us these days?

[@ThePracticalMechanic]

@@timbutler3213 Pine beetles for sure but the drought also. All my favorite mountain areas are suffering mass die off. You can see the loss of greenery in this video when I went to a mountain lake last year. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4GTpJiCnMRkbrc

[@kathleenangelo1599]

Thanks!!!!

[@ralphfolden3273]

use your VIN at the parts store