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Lift Support Catalog |
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Gas charged lift supports are energy storage devices
that create energy by compressing gas inside a cylinder.
When closed, the energy is stored. When opened the energy is released to raise a
hatch, hood, liftgate or trunk, holding them
safely in an open position.
Gas charged lift supports are sometimes incorrectly thought of as shock absorbers or
struts, which instead absorb energy to control motion. Lift supports typically store a
gas charge of 1,500 psi, therefore, they cannot typically be compressed by hand.
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Most automotive applications now feature two, four or more gas charged lift supports
and demand continues to grow. For example, a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee utilized two
lift supports. By 2000, that same application required six lift supports.
Furthermore, lift supports can now be found on diverse applications such as construction
equipment, boats, campers, commercial vehicles, industrial enclosures, lawn/garden
equipment, and tool boxes.
By design, all gas charged lift supports begin to fail over time. They are typically out
of sight and out of mind…until they no longer function properly. Furthermore, they may
work reasonably well one day and then not at all the next. The most common causes of
failure include loss of gas pressure due to natural permeation, exposure to extreme
temperatures and frequent use or cycling of the part. Replacement can also be expected
if the vehicle is five years of age or older.
When gas charged lift supports do begin to fail, it becomes difficult to open the vehicle’s
compartments. That can turn into a physical catastrophe if the lift fails to open or slams
closed when in the open position…not to mention the strain of trying to lift a hatch or
trunk that’s completely lost all of it’s gas pressure power. |
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| Quality |
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You can be assured that when you choose an AMS gas charged lift support you get the
industry’s highest quality in terms of long-lasting performance, smooth operation,
functional safety and ease of installation. Our lift supports feature the latest
technology and most innovative features.
For example, AMS’ exclusive patented Temperature Compensation Module valve remains
closed at temperatures above 40°F and prevents expansion of a portion of the compressed
gas within the spring. When the temperature drops below 20°F, the TCM valve
opens to allow expansion of gas within the tube. This valve makes it possible for the
extended force to increase at the TCM valve opening temperature.
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| Development and Production |
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During the initial design phase, each application is evaluated and tested for the following:
strength, corrosion, assembly methodology and ease of installation. This testing is done
using specifically designed machines including thermal chambers capable of testing
from –40°F to 180°F degrees, a full-size drive-in thermal chamber, a salt spray
chamber, Instron test stands with thermal chambers, a precision prep saw with micro
hardness measuring capabilities and a vibration test stand.
The production processes required to manufacture AMS lift supports all take place in
the same facility. These processes including stamping, screw machining, tube machining,
chrome plating, e-coat painting, zinc-chromate plating, ultra-sonic welding, spot
welding, brazing, and heat staking. Because the various processes aren’t outsourced,
quality control is further enhanced, yielding consistent high quality.
All equipment, processes and quality standards adhere to strict regimens enforced by our
multiple quality certifications,including TS16949, ISO9001 and ISO14001.
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| Testing |
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After assembly, each AMS Gas Charged Lift Support is tested in four different positions
during compression and extension to measure speed and force. Each lift is then subjected
to two overload tests to assure structural integrity and safety.
As a final measure of safety, all AMS Lift Supports are certified to meet DOT Haz Mat
Regulations at 49 CFR & 173.306(f).
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| Compatibility |
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Nominally priced yet technologically superior to other lifts on the market, only AMS has unique features to ensure
safe reliable operation, again and again.
AMS offers the largest selection of patented connector systems. We never rely on will-fit substitutions that require lots
of extra time to remove the old supports, rebuild the connectors and then install new supports. Because we insist on
using hardware that is identical to the OEM design, the job can be done more easily and much safer, with just a few simple
hand tools. Most applications can be installed in five minutes or less. Try that with the competition!
As an example, our top selling Chrysler minivan application, features a patented swivel end connector attached to Belleville
washers that are designed to evenly distribute the force. This system replaced the older system that was recalled by
Chrysler. By comparison, all AMS competitors utilize a plastic connector with an extended ball stud and no Belleville washer.
This causes stress at the mounting hole and can lead to catastrophic failure. |
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| Coverage |
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AMS is committed to offering the industry’s most comprehensive line up of lift supports.
We currently include coverage for nearly 100% of all automotive applications.
OE applications in which the identical AMS lift supports are utilized include Chevrolet
Equinox, Chrysler Voyage, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Lexus RX350, Lincoln Navigator, Mitsubishi
Eclipse, Nissan Pathfinder, Pontiac Torrent, Suzuki XL7 and Toyota Tundra to name just
a few.
We also include universal coverage for non-automotive applications such as campers and
toolboxes. These items can be easily determined based on the length measurements, end
fittings and required force. An easy-to-follow guide is included at the front of each AMS
catalog.
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| Packaging |
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For many years, the industry-standard lift support package has been an elongated pouch consisting of clear PVC (vinyl) on the front,
and color impregnated vinyl on the back. Although it provides visibility to the product inside, it has many inherent deficiencies:
- Structural integrity is negatively impacted by climate variation
- Cracks in cold climates
- Distorts in hot climates (stretches and/or wrinkles)
- Hang holes are difficult to die cut, and the slug often remains attached, clogging the hole
- Can release toxins and is non recyclable (several states are considering laws prohibiting vinyl packaging)
The New Improved AMS Lift Support Package utilizes coated SUS® paperboard, a three-ply material commonly
used to package frozen foods, pharmaceuticals and beverages. Advantages versus existing vinyl packaging include:
- Freeze/thaw testing show no cold cracking or heat distortion.*
- Drop testing from 36” confirms that the reinforced bottom prevented product from ejecting thru the bottom product/package contact point.
- Triple-wall reinforced hang holes do not clog, nor do they distort due to the weight of the product
- The 4-color process printing results in increased graphic appeal
- Installation instructions and other information on the back are larger, clearer and easier to read.
- SUS® packaging is made from pine trees, a natural, renewable resource, and it is third-party certified to meet
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) requirements, while providing excellent bending, compression and moisture resistance
According to Jay Sweeney, AMS Product/Packaging Manager, “The new lift support package addresses all of the structural deficiencies of
vinyl packaging, to ensure superior package performance and product protection throughout the entire distribution supply chain.”
The AMS toll free tech line number, tech tips and easy to follow instructions in English, French and Spanish are printed on the back.
* The freeze and thaw tests consisted of temperature variations between -20F and 140F over 24 hour periods.
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Back To Top |
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April 13, 2012 |
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AMS Automotive LLC Announces the Purchase of AMS Automotive Inc. and Ovis Sales LP MORE
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December 20, 2011 |
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ZPS named 2011 Manufacturers’ Agency Of The Year MORE |
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October 28, 2011 |
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AMS Automotive Develops Improved Lift Support Package MORE |
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October 20, 2011 |
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AMS Automotive Sponsors AAIA/AASA Chairmen’s Reception During AAPEX 2011 MORE |
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