This guide helps buyers prepare a reference-specific gas strut inquiry and sample review. It does not choose a force for an undocumented tailgate, approve a mounting alteration or give instructions for compressing a gas spring. The objective is a complete comparison record that shows confirmed fields and open questions before an order is approved.
Identify the application and original reference
Begin with the vehicle, model variant, production information where relevant, installation position and original part number. State whether the inquiry concerns a hood, tailgate or another application. Keep the application notes used by the catalogue rather than shortening them to a vehicle name that removes selection conditions.
Photograph readable markings and the complete external part where they can be recorded through an appropriate inspection. Transcribe the markings beside the image and distinguish a confirmed reference from an uncertain character. Do not turn an indistinct force marking or date code into a confident specification by guessing.
Record whether the vehicle or supported panel has been modified, if that information is available. A replacement inquiry for the original application differs from a request to support an altered panel. Ask for an application review when the intended use changes instead of assuming the original reference covers the new arrangement.
Keep force, stroke and length in separate fields
A quotation should identify these quantities separately. A force label does not describe stroke, and a length label does not state the force requirement. Request the exact field definitions from the selected product record or drawing. If a supplier lists a combined code, ask which elements are specifications and which are part identifiers.
As a catalogue example, Stabilus's standard programme presents extension force, stroke and extended length as separate fields. That structure illustrates why a replacement comparison needs several records. It does not supply dimensions or performance evidence for a MAKEXCAR reference, and its listed products are not interchange approvals.
Give each candidate reference its own row in the comparison. A useful response identifies the source of every confirmed value. An unqualified statement that a gas strut is “the same size” should remain an open question until the relevant field definitions and application conditions are clear.
Request the force definition with the marked value
Ask whether the documented force is an extension force, another defined point on a force characteristic or a different quantity. Record the specified measurement position, direction and conditions when supplied. Keep the value and its definition together rather than copying only the number and the letter N into the RFQ.
SUSPA's gas spring FAQ defines its F1 force with specified measurement conditions. This supports requesting the definition used by the manufacturer of the proposed item. It does not make SUSPA's measurement position or temperature a universal MAKEXCAR acceptance method.
A higher marked force should not be described as a general upgrade. If the proposal changes the specified force, ask for an application-specific explanation and supporting review. The buyer needs evidence for the actual reference and intended use, not a claim that a stronger part is automatically better.
Define extended and compressed length endpoints
“Length” needs a condition and endpoints. Ask whether the source refers to mounting-center distance, a body dimension or another defined measurement. Keep the end fittings included or excluded exactly as the drawing states. Two numbers may look similar while describing different portions of the part.
Request extended and compressed length information where relevant to the selected reference, with the corresponding drawing definitions. Keep those fields separate from stroke. Do not infer the compressed length from a photograph or an assumed formula when the source has not defined the reference points and conditions.
For a sample inspection, agree the measurement method and handling with the responsible technical party. This article does not instruct a buyer to force a gas spring into a compressed condition. A source drawing or documented inspection report can provide a clearer basis than an improvised demonstration of the sample.
Describe stroke as a documented travel quantity
Ask for the stroke definition associated with the quoted reference and identify its source. Record whether the supplier's drawing uses a particular rod-travel definition and how that relates to the other dimensions. Avoid treating the amount of shiny rod visible in a product photograph as a reliable stroke specification.
If a candidate differs in stroke, state the discrepancy in the comparison sheet and request a reference-specific explanation. Matching one extended-length field does not resolve the difference. A purchasing decision should show who reviewed the actual application implications and what evidence supported the conclusion.
Preserve the original values when a supplier revises its proposal. Record the revision date and the reason given. This prevents a corrected quotation from becoming detached from the sample or drawing that was originally reviewed.
Include both end fittings and their orientation
Record the end connection at the cylinder side and rod side separately. Request the relevant fitting type, interface dimensions and any orientation information defined for the selected reference. A generic photograph of an eyelet or socket is useful for identifying a question, but it is not a complete connection specification.
Clarify whether the quoted part includes its end fittings and any associated hardware. Keep the supply scope visible in the order. A body-only item and a complete assembly should not share an unexplained description that makes the receiving team assume the same contents.
Do not approve a mounting change because a different fitting can be physically attached. If a proposal requires altered brackets or a changed connection, request the appropriate application review. This guide does not establish thread engagement, bracket strength, orientation rules or installation instructions for an undocumented item.
Use a specification comparison sheet
The following fields are a proposed purchasing framework, not a filled specification. Enter actual values only when an identified drawing, catalogue or agreed inspection supports them. Keep the required reference, supplier candidate and observed sample in separate columns.
| Field | Evidence to request | Question for review |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Vehicle, position and original reference | Which exact use is supported? |
| Force | Marked value and documented definition | Are position and conditions identified? |
| Stroke | Travel definition and source drawing | Is the same quantity being compared? |
| Extended length | Endpoints and included fittings | Does the datum match the requirement? |
| Compressed length | Source definition or agreed inspection | Is the relevant condition documented? |
| End fittings | Two separate interface records and supply scope | Are both connections resolved? |
| Review decision | Reference, drawing revision and open items | What evidence supports approval? |
Attach the original source files and label any sample photographs. If a value is missing, identify the field rather than placing a guessed number in the table. A clear missing-information list gives the supplier an answerable request and helps the buyer decide what must be resolved before sample approval.
Resolve partial matches before ordering
Consider a proposal that matches a documented extended length but supplies no force definition or compressed-length information. The useful next request identifies those missing records. Asking only whether the part “fits” may produce another broad answer without resolving the comparison.
If a sample and drawing disagree, record the observed feature, method and sample identity. Ask whether the reference, fittings or drawing revision differ. Preserve the discrepancy until it is explained; do not adjust the measurement description to make the sample appear consistent with the quotation.
A completed review should name the actual candidate, intended application, source revision and sample examined. Limit approval to that scope. It should not become a family-wide compatibility claim or proof of life-cycle performance, corrosion resistance or warranty terms.
Carry the agreed specification into receiving
Request packaging and markings that keep the delivered units connected to the approved reference. Retain the comparison sheet with the purchase order. If incoming checks are agreed, define their features, method, sampling arrangement and discrepancy handling before shipment.
Keep dimensional identification separate from force validation and application performance. An external size check does not measure the force characteristic or establish suitability in every operating condition. Any force test report should identify its specimen, method, conditions and applicable requirement.
Work through three partial-match cases
These illustrative cases show why the combined comparison record matters. They are hypothetical purchasing situations, not completed fitment approvals.
Two extended-length figures use different endpoints
One drawing names mounting-center distance with the fittings included, while another describes a different body feature. Identical numbers would still represent different quantities. Record each source definition before comparing the values. Obtain the candidate drawing's corresponding mounting dimension instead of estimating the missing distance from the picture. If the candidate source has no corresponding field, mark that specific comparison unresolved rather than classifying the entire part as an exact match.
A defined measurement is outside an agreed dimensional interval
Suppose an invented drawing defines the same mounting-center feature as 500 mm ±2 mm, giving a stipulated interval of 498–502 mm. An identified sample measured at 504 mm by the agreed method is 504 − 502 = 2 mm above that upper limit. Record the discrepancy with the sample identity and method. This hypothetical arithmetic demonstrates how a defined feature and criterion can support a discrepancy report; it does not supply a MAKEXCAR tolerance or establish an installation outcome. If the sample uses different fittings or its measurement endpoints differ, first resolve that identity or method issue before applying the interval.
A revised offer resolves length but changes another field
A supplier sends a new drawing that resolves the missing length definition while changing the fitting reference. Do not carry the earlier end-fitting approval into the new revision without review. Identify which fields remain supported and reopen those affected by the change. Link the supplied sample to the revised assembly identity; if it represents the earlier version, request evidence for the revised proposal rather than silently treating that sample as the new one. The resulting record shows a precise revision question instead of a general request to confirm everything again.
Prepare a MAKEXCAR gas strut inquiry
Use these fields to send the comparison basis together with the inquiry. Preserve source definitions rather than shortening the request to length and force numbers.
Application and references: [vehicle/variant/position; original and candidate references; panel changes; catalog source]
Force record: [value and N units; defined point/direction/conditions; requirement source; missing definition]
Travel and length: [stroke definition; extended/compressed conditions; exact endpoints; fitting inclusion; drawing revision]
Connections and scope: [tube and rod fitting records; orientation where defined; mating items; included/excluded hardware]
Sample and decision: [sample identity; agreed inspection records; supported fields; discrepancies; unresolved fields; responsible review]
Browse the MAKEXCAR Gas Struts category and send the replacement-specification inquiry with the drawings and readable marking images. A useful reply supplies the candidate's definitions and addresses the identified gaps. When only one field matches, keep that supported observation without converting it into approval of the complete application. Carry a completed, reference-specific comparison into the order and receiving record.
