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notxal



Member Since: 20 Nov 2019
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 89

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Aintree Green
Rear Door Gas Strut (Post 2002)
Has anybody fitted a Nakatanenga Rear Door TOP Gas Strut? I think it's referred to as the Mk3 version. Currently I can only see that 4x4 Overlander are selling it.

Would appreciate some user views



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Post #836776 12th Jun 2020 2:52pm
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LCJ



Member Since: 07 Sep 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 201

I bought one of them initially. I found that it flexed the panel above the door aperture quite alarmingly and wasn't sure what issues that might cause long term, so I swapped it for the type that replaces the original door strut - a much better option in my view.

I did speak to 4x4 overlander about it and showed them a video of the flex. They were very good about the swap, did say they hadn't seen my issue before but agreed it didn't look right
Post #836782 12th Jun 2020 3:09pm
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notxal



Member Since: 20 Nov 2019
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 89

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Aintree Green
Great, thanks LCJ.
Post #836790 12th Jun 2020 3:21pm
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donmacn



Member Since: 07 Nov 2017
Location: Nth Scotland
Posts: 1829

I have one, and I've been pretty happy with it. I haven't noticed any flex in that panel above the door..... but I haven't particularly been looking Shocked

Depending on what else you might have on your car (I'm thinking particularly about spare wheel mountings) you might find that the strut opens the door wide enough to have the wheel press against the brake light on the rear corner.

I have a Naka carrier, and found this was happening. Easily fixed in the end, just by drilling another 8mm hole in the bracket that fits above the door.

Overall though, I'm happy with it. The original door stay was knackered, and worse, the lovely 'steel/aluminium/steel' sandwich where it fits to the wheel arch inside the car meant that I couldn't have fitted one of the lower ones even if I'd wanted. My repair is OK for keeping the rain out, but would have needed redoing to make it strong enough to take a strut. Pics in my rebuild thread below. Donald

1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong
(The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html )
2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8

in the past..
RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi
1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box
1993 Discovery 300Tdi

not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper...
Post #836844 12th Jun 2020 6:26pm
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RoddyK05



Member Since: 08 Apr 2015
Location: Inverclyde
Posts: 633

Scotland 2004 Defender 90 Td5 SW Yellow
I bought one off a member here, it’s fantastic. There is a wee bit of flex in the bracket but not the door - I think anyway. Opening your door with the motor on a side slope - no problem. Opening your door with a strong wind blowing - no problem. It is certainly heavier to close, but it actually pulls the door closed in its last few inches so it’s not fighting against you. I would definitely fit one again, and totally recommend it.
Post #836867 12th Jun 2020 8:37pm
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BaronDefenders



Member Since: 28 Jun 2019
Location: London/Cotswolds
Posts: 809

United Kingdom 2004 Defender 90 Td5 SW Santorini Black
We bought one for our 110 and found the stainless bracket/panel that goes behind the grab handles didn’t line up with the holes. Tried it on our 90 and we and the same issue. We’ve since fitted a v2 to our 110 and it’s great. So great that I’ve just ordered another v2 for the 90. Thumbs Up Charlie

1949 Series 1 80 (SOLD)
2002 Td5 90 (SOLD)
2008 Freelander 2 (SOLD)

1958 Series 2 88 Pastel Green (2019 LR Legends Best Restored)
1983 V8 110 Limestone (Previously owned by Tom Sheppard MBE)
2004 Td5 90 Santorini Black (Td5INSIDE Powered & Rebuilt by CSK)
2012 Puma 110 Zermatt Silver (Overlanding Build)

Instagram: @BaronDefenders
Post #836991 13th Jun 2020 3:00pm
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notxal



Member Since: 20 Nov 2019
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 89

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Aintree Green
Thanks Chaps. On the basis of the responses I’ve played safe and ordered a bottom door MK2 version from Mud Uk.
Post #836996 13th Jun 2020 4:33pm
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TheShrink



Member Since: 25 Apr 2019
Location: Somerset
Posts: 47

United Kingdom 
I have a top strut and think it’s brilliant. Wish I’d fitted it sooner.
Post #837709 17th Jun 2020 7:29am
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Pacha



Member Since: 23 Feb 2020
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 772

United Kingdom 2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Stornoway Grey
I fitted a lower one today - fairly easy job TBH.

I don't like the idea of the top one - more metal in the bottom half of the door with less risk of flex. Rgds.

Chris
Post #837875 17th Jun 2020 7:19pm
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DG123



Member Since: 29 Aug 2015
Location: North West
Posts: 133

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey
With the Mk2 version, is it possible to hold the door 1/2 open?

I often have to do a bit of juggling when unhitching the caravan as it’s got an ALKO hitch that fouls the spare wheel. It’s not a big issue with the standard door and is easy to deal with as the ALKO arm can be fully extended if the door’s open slightly. However, I don’t want to be fighting against the door (which then hits the jockey wheel if it opens too wide).

Otherwise all the benefits of the gas strut would be great. I always seem to be parked the wrong way when loading. 2012 110 XS SW Orkney Grey
2003 D2 Td5 Black [SOLD]
Post #837891 17th Jun 2020 8:14pm
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notxal



Member Since: 20 Nov 2019
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 89

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Aintree Green
Now I've fitted the MK2 I think you may be fighting to hold it halfway open. The gas strut is trying to fully open the door. Otherwise it a good piece of kit.

Thanks everyone for your responses.
Post #837893 17th Jun 2020 8:17pm
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