2G Trunk Lift Support for GS-T Spyder (1997)

[Testosteroni84]

My original trunk lift supports need to be replaced as they can no longer hold the trunk open.
My car has an aftermarket rear spoiler.

I have been doing quite a bit of research trying to find out which companies are producing trunk lift supports for my car.
Primarily, I have been looking at the different manufacturers/brands sold on eBay.
I have also searched this forum hoping to find some information.
However, I can not find a thread where the different manufacturers are discussed and experience is shared.

The following manufacturers/brands keep popping up:

AMS Automotive - RhinoPac
AVM Industries LLC - StrongArm & MightyLift
Ride Control LLC - Gabriel
Tenneco Inc. - Monroe

I am only using the best quality parts for my car and I would like to hear your experience and opinions regarding trunk lift supports.

 

[Kait]

I'd go w/ Monroe.

 

[tkrPerformance]

I might have a extra set laying around

 

['97boostinGST]

Rockauto.com

Monroe trunk struts for $30 shipped to my house for the set.
I'm not sure what the shipping price will be to Europe.

 

[Testosteroni84]

Rockauto.com

Monroe trunk struts for $30 shipped to my house for the set.
I'm not sure what the shipping price will be to Europe.

I have already checked out RockAuto.
They only have RhinoPac, Sachs and StrongArm lift supports listed for sale.

 

['97boostinGST]

I have already checked out RockAuto.
They only have RhinoPac, Sachs and StrongArm lift supports listed for sale.

I barely noticed that you have a Spyder, I dont think there's a set for the Spyder version. I could only find them for the coupe.

 

[Testosteroni84]

Thank you all for the feedback.
I am going for Monroe.

 

[Testosteroni84]

My purchase of the Monroe lift supports has turned out to be a royal nightmare.

I decided to purchase these lifts on eBay as it provides buyer protection.
So I contacted all of the sellers that offered the Monroe lift supports for my car at a reasonable price.
However, only a few were able to ship outside of the US.

I ended up with a seller named "just-suspension" (now "moparoutlet").
They had these lift supports listed for less than $20 each.
The part numbers are 901354 and 901355 and each of the listings say: "This part is compatible with..." and show "1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GST Convertible 2-Door 2.0L 1997CC 122Cu. In. l4 GAS DOHC Turbocharged" in the list.

I sent them a message and they said they were happy to help me and told me to order the lifts on their website (Monroe Outlet | Powered by Just Suspension or Just Suspension | Home) - probably because their eBay account was not set up for international customers.
I guess I had to forget about buyer protection this time.
So I placed my order for the Monroe Max-Lift 901354 and 901355 and on April 6 I received a notification that the items had been shipped.
On April 13, Fedex came to my door and delivered the package.

The package was incredibly large.
I thought they must have used a lot of packing material.
This turned out to be incorrect.

When I opened the package, this is what met my eyes:

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They had obviously sent me the wrong lift supports.
Just look at the difference between my old supports and these:

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So I contacted Just-Suspension on April 16 to tell them about the situation:

Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
I have received this order.
The description in your eBay listing says these lifts will fit the following car:
Part Note: MAX-LIFT ... 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GST Convertible 2-Door 2.0L 1997CC 122Cu. In. l4 GAS DOHC Turbocharged
Unfortunately, the lifts do not fit this car as they are way too long.
See the attached photographs.
Please advise.

The communication since then has been utterly frustrating.
It turns out that the money spent has been lost.

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2012 12:13 AM
Thanks for emailing us! Have you tried them on the car? We just spoke with monroe and they say those are the right part numbers.
Thanks!

Sent: Friday, April 20, 2012 8:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
I sent you several photographs.
Did you not get these?
The lifts do not fit this car as they are way too long.
Please advise.

Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
I am awaiting your response.

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 10:46 PM
Thank you sir, sounds like your other picture email did not make it for some reason. Please call us, we can help you with the return.
Chat soon,
Go to Just Suspension | Home for even better deals. Prefer to call us? Were open 8:30-5:30 eastern time M-F and are happy to help. (704) 809-1269

Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
The photographs were attached to the e-mail I sent that you responded to.
There must be a problem on your end if you have not received these.
I have attached the photographs again.
Please confirm.

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2012 12:10 AM
Not a problem sir, would you like to send those back for refund?

Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
I ordered lifts for my “1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GST Convertible 2-Door 2.0L 1997CC 122Cu. In. l4 GAS DOHC Turbocharged”.
I would like the correct lifts.

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2012 6:02 PM
Not a problem, send them back and we will exchange them for you.
Thanks!

Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
You told me Monroe said these are the correct part numbers.
I assume you found out what is wrong here?

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2012 4:20 PM
Unfortunately Monroe continues to say those are the proper numbers that should fit your car, so we are unsure what the differences are.

Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
I studied the compatibility list that was shown in your eBay listing when I ordered these lifts.
That list is obviously incorrect.
Please look at the photographs I have sent and you will see that the lifts are way too long for the car.
The convertible models have a completely different trunk when compared to the hatchback models.
The lifts I have received are meant for the hatchback models which have a much larger and heavier trunk and therefore need larger lifts.
Please confront Monroe with this and show them the photographs I have sent you.
I am certain they will see the mistake.
Finally:
I guess this means Monroe does not have any lifts for my convertible model?

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 9:45 PM
That makes more sense, monroe does say it is for the hatchback (not the convertible trunk). That is what the difference is.

Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 4:00 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
So how did “1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GST Convertible 2-Door 2.0L 1997CC 122Cu. In. l4 GAS DOHC Turbocharged” and the other convertible models end up on the compatibility list?
Does this mean that Monroe does not have any lifts for my convertible model?

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2012 11:12 PM
I think you are correct, monroe only shows lifts for the hatchback.

Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
Could you please confirm whether or not Monroe can provide the correct lifts for my convertible?
Can any other manufacturer provide these?

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 3:41 PM
Happy to check sir, we will reply back when he have some answers

Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 8:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
When do you think you will have some answers?
Please send me an Air Waybill for the return of the incorrect lifts you have sent me.

Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 8:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
I am awaiting your response.

Sent: Monday, May 28, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
I hope to hearing from you soon.

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 3:10 PM
Thank you sir! Here is your return information
Just Suspension
RMA 17027
4723 Mountain Creek Ave
Denver NC 28037
Once received we are happy to issue a refund to your visa card.

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
Please send me an Air Waybill so I can return the items.

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 10:59 PM
Thank you sir! Unfortunately we are unable to do so, return shipping would be your responsibility, please accept our apologies.

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 5:45 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
I am very disappointed.
My responsibility?
This is very unfair.
I ordered a product from you that was incorrectly listed as compatible for my car.
This is a mistake done by your part.
I am not supposed to have any expences because of this.
There is no way I could return this item without an Air Waybill and Fedex to pick up the package.
It is not possible for me to go to the postal office.
That is why my purchases are delivered direct on the door.
I paid $65.05 (376,86 NOK) for these items.
It will cost $57.15 (345,00 NOK) to return these by the postal service.
Please advise.

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2012 3:13 PM
We apologize for the frustration sir, since the listing did say hatchback we are happy to exchange them for you if you want to send them back.

Sent: Monday, June 04, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
I am really dumbfounded.
The listing also said the following, which is the reason for my purchase:
“Part Note: MAX-LIFT ... 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GST Convertible 2-Door 2.0L 1997CC 122Cu. In. l4 GAS DOHC Turbocharged”
You have sent me a product that is incompatible with “1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GST Convertible 2-Door 2.0L 1997CC 122Cu. In. l4 GAS DOHC Turbocharged”.
This is YOUR responsibility, not mine.
Do you really think it is fair that I should pay for your mistakes?

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2012 11:56 PM
Thank you again sir, where exactly are you seeing that information?

Sent: Monday, June 04, 2012 6:22 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
I initially contacted you on eBay regarding your listing (#250926045995) for one of these parts (#901354).
Your eBay listings for both of these lifts (#901354 and #901355) say these are compatible with 41 vehicles, including mine.
I told you I needed a set of trunk lift support for my car.
You told me to order the items on your website.
That is what I did.
Am I supposed to pay the costs for having these exchanged because of incorrect and misleading information in your listings?

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 12:34 AM
Thank you again sir, we do see that in the ebay listing. Unfortunately there are errors in the ebay information, which is why the listing asks to confirm the application with the monroe website prior to ordering. We understand this has been troublesome for you, which is why we have offered to accept the return. You may wish to re-sell the items locally or on ebay instead of returning.
We appreciate it.

Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 8:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
But you say Monroe continue to tell you these are the correct parts!
Certainly you must see there is a serious issue here and that I am not to blame for this?

Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 8:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
Please advise!

Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 8:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
Please respond!

Sent: Monday, June 25, 2012 2:20 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
I have not received any response from you since June 5.
What is going on?

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 4:00 PM
Thank you sir. Everything is still the same, you are welcome to send them back if you wish.
We appreciate it!

 

['97boostinGST]

Wow, talk about bad customer service.
It seems like a 10 year old in a foreign country is responding to your emails.
Is there any way you can open a dispute or something using your credit card's company?

 

[MHuddy1213]

or paypal if that was used they can get involved and if you used a credit card defer the payment due to inccorect parts

 

[NHerron]

I have had this kind of thing happen at least 3 times on eBay. They send me the wrong thing or something that doesn't work out of the box. Then they want me to pay return shipping? Sorry but no. I would gladly pay return shipping if I decided I didn't like it or some other personal affair but you sending the wrong thing is out of my hands.

That is why I stick with eBay. On eBay, the customer is always right and 99% of the time eBay will require the seller to take responsibility for their errors. Something to keep in mind for future reference

You seem to be a reasonable and skilled negotiator, have you called them up to talk to another person? Sometimes you get lucky with another person and they will have a different story than through email

 

[Testosteroni84]

Thank you for your support.
I am glad that you guys see how ridicolous this is.

It was paid direct from the card without the security PayPal provides.
This is the last time I trust anyone.

Unfortunately, I do not think it is possible to open a case with the bank/card issuer unless the card information has been misused in the way that someone else got your card/card information and used it.
I guess I will have to take the cost of calling the company.

 

[luv2rallye]

Try to get a customer service toll free number and demand to talk to a supervisor is the only thing you can do with them. And when that fails your only option left is to sell it yourself to someone in Europe.

Unfortunately your situation happens all the time when shipping overseas. I doubt you'll ever get them to pay for shipping it back since they will lose money on the deal. And they don't care how many people you tell about their bad service. If you think that will make any difference to them by threatening to ruin their reputation by telling the whole world the truth, you are very much mistaken!. They don't care about you with only one purchase overseas.

I paid $20 for a battery from China that was listed by them to fit my very camera. It didn't and I got the same result - they will refund it if I ship it back to them at my expense. Post office (the cheapest) said it would be $58 to ship it back. So I learned the hard way too.

 

[m_0ney_pit]

Just went through this with advance auto, the part configurator has three choices and two are incorrect and one is correct . Although they all show up if you plug your spyder into their search engine.

The spyder uses
Body Connection Type: Ball Socket (Nylon)
Body Diameter: 15
Collapsed Length: 11.51
Extended Length: 19.55

Don't know what the pressure is though

 

[Testosteroni84]

Unfortunately your situation happens all the time when shipping overseas. I doubt you'll ever get them to pay for shipping it back since they will lose money on the deal. And they don't care how many people you tell about their bad service. If you think that will make any difference to them by threatening to ruin their reputation by telling the whole world the truth, you are very much mistaken!. They don't care about you with only one purchase overseas.

I just wanted to share my experience and see what you guys think about this.

 

[Testosteroni84]

Unfortunately, it appears there is no customer service toll free number.

So I just called the number provided in the e-mail.
I asked for the supervisor, but the representative said the supervisor was not available as he was at another location.
She continued to ask me about the issue.
After explaining everything, I still got the usual: "Unfortunately, we can not pay the return shipping cost".
I was told the supervisor's name is Learry and that I would have to send an e-mail to the same address I have been using all the way and request that they put me in contact with him.

I guess it was too hard for them to provide a number or e-mail address over the phone.
What a joke...

 

[TSiAWD666]

The pieces you got are for the coupe models. I know because I just recently replaced mine.

If you want to try another place I've purchased a lot of items from Lift Supports Systems | Hood | Window | Trunk | Hatch | Auto Parts By Lou and haven't had a single issue. Great place and very helpful in both emails and on the phone. They helped me sort out how to get hood struts working on my fiberglass hood. Try them out, and once you use their parts identifier on their site you can always call and confirm the length to be as sure as possible they're sending the right ones.

Here's what I found for the Spyder:
http://www.autopartsbylou.com/lift-...MITSUBISHI&model=Eclipse&year=1997&type=Trunk

 

[Testosteroni84]

The pieces you got are for the coupe models. I know because I just recently replaced mine.

If you want to try another place I've purchased a lot of items from Lift Supports Systems | Hood | Window | Trunk | Hatch | Auto Parts By Lou and haven't had a single issue. Great place and very helpful in both emails and on the phone. They helped me sort out how to get hood struts working on my fiberglass hood. Try them out, and once you use their parts identifier on their site you can always call and confirm the length to be as sure as possible they're sending the right ones.

Here's what I found for the Spyder:
Lift Supports

Thank you.
I will look into this.

Yes, these lift supports are for the hatchback model.
It is quite incredible that the part numbers are listed as correct for the convertible model.

 

[Testosteroni84]

So I sent them an e-mail like I was told to do by the customer service over the phone.
Here is what happened:

Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2012 10:44 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
I have been advised to speak with the supervisor.
I was told by a customer service representative over the phone that I would have to send you an e-mail so you could put me in contact with him.

Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 10:44 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
I am awaiting your response.

Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 4:44 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello!
I hope to hearing from you soon.

From: Info Just Suspension
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 11:01 PM
Absolutely sir! Hope you are well.
Go to Just Suspension | Home for even better deals. Prefer to call us? Were open 8:30-5:30 eastern time M-F and are happy to help. (704) 809-1269

Sent: Saturday, July 14, 2012 10:44 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
I do not understand you response.
Please read the e-mail.
I was told by a customer service representative over the phone that I would have to send you an e-mail so you could put me in contact with the supervisor.
Now please do so.

Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 10:44 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
Please advise!

Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2012 10:44 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
Please respond!

Sent: Friday, July 20, 2012 10:44 PM
To: Just Suspension
Hello.
Do I really need to call you again for this?

 

[Testosteroni84]

It has been six years since I started this thread and I still can not find a seller that has new old stock genuine Mitsubishi trunk lift supports for my 2G and will ship to Norway.
Does anyone know of anyone?
There is only ONE seller on eBay and they only ship within the USA.

I have also noticed something regarding the part numbers.
For somewhat reason the part number changed from MR153573 to MR170840.
Does anyone know why?

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

I have a 97 Spyder that is going to the crusher. I don't know if I can get the trunk open, no keys. If so, I could see if the lift supports work on it anymore. It was totaled out in an accident and the hulk has been at my house until my son came and pulled the motor out last week. It is hot as blazes here in the Middle of the US, but I will see if I can find a way to get into the trunk to open it. If so, maybe I can help. No promises though.

 

[streetraceboi]

I have a 97 Spyder that is going to the crusher. I don't know if I can get the trunk open, no keys. If so, I could see if the lift supports work on it anymore. It was totaled out in an accident and the hulk has been at my house until my son came and pulled the motor out last week. It is hot as blazes here in the Middle of the US, but I will see if I can find a way to get into the trunk to open it. If so, maybe I can help. No promises though.

What color interior??

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Tan if i remember right. Black with a black top.

 

[greddy_1700]

I really don't understand what the problem is, I understand the whole international shipping side of things is a huge pain and complicates things, but these are readily available. I am using a set of Strongarm trunk shocks for my 98 spyder and they have been working great. Rock Auto sells them for cheap as well. StrongArm Item #4667 is what I purchased, they fit perfectly, and work exactly as OEM.

 

[Testosteroni84]

I have a 97 Spyder that is going to the crusher. I don't know if I can get the trunk open, no keys. If so, I could see if the lift supports work on it anymore. It was totaled out in an accident and the hulk has been at my house until my son came and pulled the motor out last week. It is hot as blazes here in the Middle of the US, but I will see if I can find a way to get into the trunk to open it. If so, maybe I can help. No promises though.

Thank you.
Please PM me if you find out anything.