Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

The struts on the rear door of my L400 were sagging rather severely, especially with the cooler weather as of late. I started looking for something to replace them with and through a little searching on the forum here, I found out about Strutwise and the owner, Frank. I gave Frank a call last weekend to discuss what my options were and he said to bring my Delica around. When I showed up, I knew right away this was the guy to deal with. After a brief chat, we went outside and he removed the struts and said they would be ready in a few days. He also took note that there is a ladder attached to the back door and said he would take that into account when rebuilding the struts. And I do have to say, that the rear door with the ladder attached is quite heavy!

I went by yesterday and the struts were ready for install. He had them back in place in no time and what a difference it makes! The door stays up with ample clearance for headroom. It will make a great shelter for when I am out camping in it, after I get the bedding/storage solution built and installed. (Next project on the ToDo list)

Bottom line is, I give Frank and Strutwise Two Thumbs Up for great product and service. I would recommend him to anyone who needs struts rebuilt. It’s not just struts for personal vehicles, he is involved with racing teams, commercial transport and many more too numerous to list out.

Thanks again Frank, you did an awesome job!

Frank did the struts on my L300, and I wish I could give as glowing a review as you did.

When they first came back (I live in Nanaimo, so there was shipping involved), the one strut had the wrong mount on it. No problem...mistakes happen. Sent it back and had Frank fix it.

Once both struts were installed, it worked like a charm...until the weather got colder. The struts would only work if I assisted lifting the hatch.

Today, the struts still work the same, so the seals are good...but unless it's a particularly warm day, I have to help them lift the gate up. On a really cold day, I have to prop the gate with a stick.

I wonder if there is a big weight difference between the L400 and L300 rear hatch.

i was gonna ship my struts to them! i have a ladder and it will not even open in the cold... i hear they can bump up the pressure to accommodate extra load.... i dont care if the thing takes my head off when it opens i just want it to stay up!

403delica wrote:i was gonna ship my struts to them! i have a ladder and it will not even open in the cold... i hear they can bump up the pressure to accommodate extra load.... i dont care if the thing takes my head off when it opens i just want it to stay up!

I too have been considering this. I have a heavy ladder as well and my stuts don't even hold it up when it gets below +5. If you do it tell me the cost and how it works out because I am tired of getting whapped in the back when I open it and lean in to get something.

Craig

will do cregan... might be next month.... deli has more important issues to fix right now with the funds.... you make it down to calgary often?

I picked up my Delica in mid-September when the weather was warmer. The struts were working ok but not great. Then the weather cooled down and the struts stopped working. When I had them installed yesterday, they worked great in the colder weather. It was $160.00 well spent. When I lifted the door up yesterday to get them installed, I really had to put some muscle into it to get it all the way open. With the metal, glass and ladder attached, I can only guess at what it weighs but maybe somewhere around a couple of hundred pounds?

I’ll see how they work as the weather gets colder. If they start to sag again, then I’ll have to see Frank about getting them boosted up a bit. Stay tuned for further updates.

Cheers!

403delica wrote:will do cregan... might be next month.... deli has more important issues to fix right now with the funds.... you make it down to calgary often?

Sadly I don't make it down too often, or anywhere for that matter, because I have a 6 week old and a 2.5 year old. Feeling a little stuck right now. If I ever do though I will get in touch with you and the big bird.

Craig

Deal! im up in edmonton every once and a while and will be back up in the summer at the U of A