Chrysler Repair: Lift Support, gas shocks, shock cord

Question
Roland
I have a general question for someone with auto repair experance. I have a 2002 PT Cruiser and the lift supports on the rear deck need changed. It looks staight forward. But will i have any problem getting new gas shocks extended so as to line up to bolt in?
Thanks
Joe

Answer
Hi Joe,
Just by chance I changed out a pair of lift supports for the first time last week. Interestingly, they came fully extended so that concern was moot. This was done on a little Geo Metro but it shouldn't be any different on your PT. The only challenge was that I had to remove the ball of the ball/socket end attached to the door opening (for re-use) and that involved prying out a stiff wire retainer, but that may not the same as the design on your car. The instructions came on the packaging. It was Armstron brand.
I suspect that even if yours come compressed it won't be too difficult to extend them with some mechanical advantage. I did the job in the garage so I could suspend the door from a beam with a shock cord so it was open all the way during the procedure. Took about and hour and a half going deliberately and carefully.
Roland