Lid/hydraulic strut questions

[Tumbleweed]

Will one hyd. strut assist to lifting a lid or will just one tweak the lid when opening? I am having a hard time figuring out how to mount two (one at each end)on my M100 with tailgate. How do you figure out where to mount them? Is it just a closed and open position mounting points?
Any other options to a heavy lid assist? Maybe a coil spring or such? My lid frame is very rigid and 1x1 HD tube.
Nearest guess is my lid and rack weighs in at around 100 to 120#. It will not be using a RTT.

 

[ThomD]

I think that hinge type and location would be a very large factor. There is a reason that pianos use piano hinges on the lid. Longer hinges are less likely to stress the side walls.

If you think about the twisting forces associated with lifting one corner, the nearest hinge is going to want to lift more than rotate. What happens when you lift from one corner by hand?

 

[Tumbleweed]

I have given up on the one strut idea. Think I have a way figured to mount two struts. Now to decide on which ones and size. I did lift the lid by one end, it did not flex, but sure it will tweak or bind.

Edit: McMaster Carr catalog pg. 1167 shows how to calculate and measure force needed, and pretty much all you need to know. Ordered two struts just now.

 

[GTKrockeTT]

I have given up on the one strut idea. Think I have a way figured to mount two struts. Now to decide on which ones and size. I did lift the lid by one end, it did not flex, but sure it will tweak or bind.

Edit: McMaster Carr catalog pg. 1167 shows how to calculate and measure force needed, and pretty much all you need to know. Ordered two struts just now.

do you have pictures or a design on how to mount with 2 struts?

 

[Tumbleweed]

Should be some pics in here. Mine would be better if more vertical. But, I did not want them in the way of the tailgate area.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22716