The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

Hi I have a Cessna 140 project that I have had for a while but Im in need of a new 46 lift strut, I have one but one was severally bent how do you tell the difference between left and right struts. Also how do you remove the vertical fin, I assume some rivet removal is needed.? Thanks to any who can help.

The 'bottom' of the struts will have witness holes for the tierod ends, out where they attach to the wings. Also, a good chance there will be a number stamping on the bottom of the weldment near where it attaches to the fuselage. That'll get you the left/right figured out. They are NOT interchangeable due to the angle of the weldment/attach point near the fuselage.

That was very helpful,Thanks a bunch

From your photo as indicated , I have the stamped numbers on the bottom of the large forward strut making that the Left, and the weep hole on the bottom of the rear small strut . Im I correct in thinking this ?

Yup. The 'weep' hole I'm told is a witness hole, you need to screw in the tierod enough so that a wire can't go in the hole, tells you there is enough thread to do the job. Stamping is on the bottom of the strut.

Great Thanks

One more question are the 1946 47 Cessna 120 and 140 the same airframe, and are the struts interchangeable?

bc12d wrote: ↑Wed Jun 19, 2024 10:05 am are the struts interchangeable?

Yes. Download the parts manual from the main web site -> resources. It's a "must have."

Thank you, yes I will

Just to be clear, interchangeable by serial number but not interchangeable by side........

I believe the main difference on the early/late serial# struts is that the forward strut ends are 'adjustable' on the early numbers and the later numbers are 'fixed' i.e. non-adjustable. I you look at Service Letter SLN-49 it'll state the initial lengths CTC and that the rear strut is used for adjustments for wing heaviness.