Parts for your 1995 Suzuki Jimny-Gas struts

1995 Suzuki Jimny — Are gas struts used, and should they be on this model?

Based on factory documentation and parts listings, gas struts were not fitted to the 1995 Suzuki Jimny from new. Suzuki’s service manuals and EPCs for the SJ/JA-series Jimny/Samurai of this era show a bonnet supported by a manual prop rod, a side-hinged rear tailgate (with check strap, not a lift-up hatch), and conventional separate shock absorbers on live axles rather than MacPherson-type struts. Technical references include the Suzuki Jimny/Samurai SJ413 Service Manual (Body and Suspension sections), the Suzuki Electronic Parts Catalogue for JA11/JA12-era vehicles, and workshop handbooks such as the Haynes Suzuki SJ & Samurai guide—all of which list no OEM gas lift supports for bonnet or tailgate, and no strut-type front suspension on this year.

Why no gas struts? The 1995 Jimny’s design prioritises simplicity, durability, and low weight. A swing-out rear door with an external spare doesn’t need lift support, and the bonnet’s simple prop rod is rugged and easy to service in the bush. The suspension is coil/leaf with separate dampers depending on variant, so there’s no “gas strut” in the MacPherson sense either.

• Bonnet: factory prop rod, no gas lift supports.
• Rear: side-hinged tailgate, no lift-up hatch or gas struts.
• Suspension: separate shock absorbers, not MacPherson gas struts.

Plenty of owners do retrofit gas struts to the bonnet for convenience. That’s fine if it’s done properly. Choose struts matched to bonnet weight, use quality brackets, and protect any drilled areas against corrosion—especially around the inner guards and bonnet frame. Stainless fixings and a dab of anti-seize go a long way in Aussie and Kiwi conditions. If the vehicle runs a fibreglass or lightweight aftermarket bonnet, select lower force struts to avoid panel distortion.

If someone has already fitted them, tell-tales include small gas cylinders mounted between the bonnet and the inner guard. Maintenance is basic: keep the shafts clean, don’t lubricate with grease (it attracts grit), and replace in pairs if the bonnet won’t stay up on a warm day, drops suddenly, or shows oil misting around the seal.

Thinking about cert or WOF? A tidy bonnet-strut install usually isn’t an issue, but it’s smart to check local regs if brackets alter structural seams.

Popular questions about 1995 Suzuki Jimny gas struts

Can gas struts be fitted to a 1995 Jimny bonnet?
Yes. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits can be added, or universal struts with custom brackets. The key is matching strut force and stroke to the bonnet, mounting to solid metal, sealing any drilled holes, and replacing in pairs for balanced lift.

Where would gas struts go on this Jimny?
From factory, nowhere—there’s no rear liftgate and the bonnet uses a prop rod. If retrofitted, they’re typically installed between the inner guard (or firewall area) and the bonnet frame. The suspension still uses separate shocks, not gas “struts”.

What force rating should I use for bonnet gas struts?
It depends on bonnet weight and hinge geometry. Many steel-bonnet setups land around 200–350 N per strut, but measurement is essential. Start conservative, check lift speed and hold at full extension, and avoid over-sprung setups that stress panels or hinges.