Aftermarket struts/shocks for ZFT4

[Mystic3D]

Thanks for confirming this, I was wondering if my tower struts were wearing out as well. Did you try this on your 2019 XStar w/ ZFT4 tower

I guess having 2 T85's & vertical surf racks plus all the standard tower goodies (dome light, bimini, etc.) is just adding up to enough extra weight where the standard gas struts don't help much.

ZFT4 on 2019 XStar with (4) S85's. Once I added (2) S85's it made a substantial difference in weight. If you look at the angle of the Gas Springs, there is not much that can be done with the initial effort, the angle is too great for the Gas springs to make a difference.

[jackpine]

Thanks for confirming this, I was wondering if my tower struts were wearing out as well. Did you try this on your 2019 XStar w/ ZFT4 tower?

I guess having 2 T85's & vertical surf racks plus all the standard tower goodies (dome light, bimini, etc.) is just adding up to enough extra weight where the standard gas struts don't help much.

[Mystic3D]

Why would it help if you replaced them with the same weight rating. I would think you would need to switch them to higher weight ratings.

Gas Springs tend to wear out, and without a way to measure the 540#, I decided to replace and and see if it made a difference. IMHO Signature does not make one with more than 540#

[jpwhit]

Why would it help if you replaced them with the same weight rating. I would think you would need to switch them to higher weight ratings.

[Mystic3D]

Just to update this thread, replaced the Gas Springs on the Tower, 540# by Signature Part Number SF144T-540. It did not help with how heavy the tower is, but an inexpensive and easy swap.

[DavidF]

yeah, similar situation here. I just have 4 JL speakers and yeah, damn heavy for me that last few feet up and down... wonder how easy it is to retrofit the power option, but I'm sure it's pricey. I do have the power tower switch though!

[eecyclone]

Aftermarket struts/shocks for ZFT4

Adjustable shocks would be sweet! Any idea yet if they could be retrofitted to a 2018 ZFT4?

That is probably the only additional feature I would be interested in, unless they actually figure out the Gen 2 Plus & billet actuators. Ok, I guess the new touch screen interface would be cool as well! I really hope they don’t orphan us 2018 owners.

I doubt they can be retrofitted. I think the tower base is completely different to accommodate the new shocks

[jackpine]

Apparently in 2022 the shocks are adjustable depending on tower setup (0, 2, or 4 speakers, board rack configuration, etc.)

I have an '18 ZFT4 with 4 rev 10's so I know how you feel

Adjustable shocks would be sweet! Any idea yet if they could be retrofitted to a 2018 ZFT4?

That is probably the only additional feature I would be interested in, unless they actually figure out the Gen 2 Plus & billet actuators. Ok, I guess the new touch screen interface would be cool as well! I really hope they don’t orphan us 2018 owners.

[Magoo]

Maybe it’s just mental, but it seems the shocks assist more if I go super slow on both raising and lowering. I have 4 s80’s, for sure isn’t light but doesn’t seem as bad as when I first added the additional 2 speakers. Either that or I’m getting serious gainz from all the lifts.

[btriantos]

Apparently in 2022 the shocks are adjustable depending on tower setup (0, 2, or 4 speakers, board rack configuration, etc.)

I have an '18 ZFT4 with 4 rev 10's so I know how you feel

I’m looking at the 22’s but will probably wait for 23. The automatic tower and fast fill ballasts are the only two reasons I have to upgrade, I otherwise love my 2018


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[eecyclone]

Apparently in 2022 the shocks are adjustable depending on tower setup (0, 2, or 4 speakers, board rack configuration, etc.)

I have an '18 ZFT4 with 4 rev 10's so I know how you feel

[Mystic3D]

I am interested in this thread as well since the T85’s are quite heavy and paired with vertical board racks, I can certainly understand the 400lb power clean analogy.

Unfortunately the ZFT7 looks more attractive every time I have to raise the tower, even though it would not fit in the tight storage tolerances I have to deal with.

I’m guessing this is a case of we get what we pay for, but I’m not sure how I can even determine if the struts have failed without disconnecting them & checking the counterforce they provide since it is so top heavy.

I do know the Gas Springs are made by signature and rated at 520 lbs. But with (4) S85's it is pretty heavy. Looking at the angles that first couple of feet it wouldn't matter how much force the Gap Springs are rated at.

[btriantos]

I ran the WS420 with my setup. Literally 50% was more than sufficient for surfing and 75% for wakeboarding. 300w RMS going to each.

They're LOUD

And super clean


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[Badmeat]

I have wetsounds EQ, and I can dial that in. I have a volume for chilling, one for surfing, and another for wakeboarding. You don’t want be sitting near swim platform at wakeboard setting for sure[emoji51]


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I ran the WS420 with my setup. Literally 50% was more than sufficient for surfing and 75% for wakeboarding. 300w RMS going to each.

They're LOUD

[jackpine]

I am interested in this thread as well since the T85’s are quite heavy and paired with vertical board racks, I can certainly understand the 400lb power clean analogy.

Unfortunately the ZFT7 looks more attractive every time I have to raise the tower, even though it would not fit in the tight storage tolerances I have to deal with.

I’m guessing this is a case of we get what we pay for, but I’m not sure how I can even determine if the struts have failed without disconnecting them & checking the counterforce they provide since it is so top heavy.


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