Parts for your 1990 Suzuki Jimny-Gas struts

1990 Suzuki Jimny Gas Struts — Not Used on This Model

For the 1990 Suzuki Jimny (including the SJ413/Sierra and JA11-era vehicles), gas struts aren’t a factory-fit item and aren’t really relevant to the original design. Technical literature such as the Suzuki Owner’s Manual for the SJ/Jimny range, the Body and Chassis sections of the factory Workshop Manual, and the Suzuki Electronic Parts Catalogue all show no gas-lift supports on the bonnet or rear door, and no MacPherson-style strut suspension on this model.

Here’s why the Jimny of this era doesn’t use gas struts:

• Bonnet: The bonnet is supported by a simple prop rod, as outlined in the owner’s handbook procedures. It’s rugged, lightweight, and suits the vehicle’s keep-it-simple approach.
• Rear door: The Jimny’s rear opening is a side-hinged swing door with a mechanical check strap/door stay. Because it doesn’t lift upwards like a hatch, it doesn’t need gas struts.
• Windows: Rear quarter windows are typically flip-out with friction stays, not strut-assisted.
• Suspension: The chassis runs solid axles with leaf springs (on 1990 models) and separate telescopic shock absorbers. There are no MacPherson “struts” in the suspension design, though gas-charged shocks may be used as dampers—they’re not structural struts.

This design choice was intentional: fewer moving parts to fail in the bush, easy field servicing, and lower cost. The side-hinged rear door also deals better with a spare wheel mounting than a liftgate would, removing the need for lift supports entirely.

Owners who want the convenience of a self-lifting bonnet can look at aftermarket bonnet gas-strut kits, but these are custom solutions that require brackets (and sometimes minor drilling). Anyone going that route should confirm clearance with the battery, airbox, and bonnet bracing, and use quality hardware to avoid twisting the bonnet frame.

• Can bonnet gas struts be fitted to a 1990 Jimny?
  Yes, as an aftermarket mod. It’ll need model-specific brackets and careful placement so the bonnet opens fully without fouling on the guard or stressing the inner bracing. A moderate-force strut each side usually works best.
• Does the rear door need a gas strut?
  No. It’s a side-hinged door with a mechanical check strap designed to hold it open. A gas strut would push sideways and can stress the hinges, especially with the spare wheel mounted.
• Are “gas struts” part of the Jimny’s suspension?
  No. The 1990 Jimny uses solid axles with leaf springs and separate shock absorbers. Gas-charged shocks are fine upgrades, but they’re dampers—not structural struts like a MacPherson setup.