[superstator]

Has anybody replaced the power lift gate struts on an L320 with regular gas struts? My right side has failed (retainer broke, came off the stud and jammed, now has a sizable dent in the tube). I never loved it as a feature, and if I can save a couple hundred bucks by just going with a “normal” open and close behavior I’m all for it. Are there gotchas, or is it a straight swap? This is a 2012 HSE Lux, so no separate glass opening.

 

[RRToadHall]

Since all tailgate were powered you might have a hard time locating proper struts to handle the weight.

 

[superstator]

There were gas/hydraulic strut versions, but I guess they were never sold in the US. According to the dealer they can get those parts, but the actual stud mounts are in a slightly different place, so they may or may not work.

 

[superstator]

Well, I decided to take a gamble, and ordered these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HI3E94U

Very easy install, just popped in one of the new struts while leaving the damaged one dangling, and this was enough to keep the liftgate open while I did the rest. Removed the interior panel, disconnected the electrical connectors, replaced the other power strut, tested it out, and it works like a charm. Power and dampening on the gas struts seems well matched to the liftgate. Easy to put it all back if I ever want to, but for now I consider this an upgrade - the gas struts open and close faster and smoother than the power ones, and I never have to worry about accidentally opening the liftgate again, not to mention saving several hundred dollars.