Hatch Gas Shocks Options and Upper Strut Bar Question
 

OEM gas shocks are pretty darn expensive. Any after market ones that are decent or am I stuck getting the oem ones? Also, I have a touring model and I really like the looks of the OEM front upper strut bar. I know it will help stiffen up the car, but any real benefits without having the other suspension components that the R1/R2 has? Will I feel any difference at all?

Re: the gas shocks;

Just replaced mine with a set from Rockauto, the brand was Rhino-Something (already threw out the boxes). They function perfectly, except that the OEM plastic pieces that fit on the 12mm bolt that bolts them to the b-pillar won't fit the replacement struts. I left them out because I actually prefer the look.

They are generic 62 inch (I believe) struts, and they came with all the necessary hardware to install them.

P.S - A trick I discovered to make it easier to install the struts is to install the bolts to the b-pillar first. Then, supporting the hatch with a pole of some kind, screw in the small pop in swivel pieces that retain the end of the struts. Then you can just pop them onto the struts, thus avoiding the trouble of fighting fully extended gas struts while trying to screw them in.

EDIT: I see you have an FD, I have an FC. No idea if the struts are the same length or if the little plastic OEM piece on your car will fit, but the rest still applies.

Thanks. I'll look into the Rhino brand.

Did you check with Ray Crowe for stock replacements?
His prices have always been good, and my experience with aftermarket parts not quite as good.

I haven't priced out the hatch struts/dampers but there would have to be a big savings for me to go aftermarket. Seems like there are always fitment compromises like already described or they simply don't last. Search Ray Crowe in the 3rd Gen. section...long time contact for OEM stuff. I might even check the eBay suppliers like Tasko.

Re: the shock tower brace.... there's probably a little different feel in spirited driving but nothing dramatic, especially if your on street tires. Again, I haven't paid attention to what they're going for. Seems like you should be able to pick up a used one in the parts for sale section for around $100 plus shipping but be sure it's the adjustable version. I think earlier ones weren't.

just go with OEM hatch shocks. They are more expensive than aftermarket but they will fit 100% correct and last a lot longer than aftermarket ones.

Yeah...I think I'll just bite the bullet and go oem. Thanks.