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Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2024 11:33 am
by bc12d
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.

Re: Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2024 5:27 pm
by 6597
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.
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Re: Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2024 10:10 am
by bc12d
That was very helpful,Thanks a bunch

Re: Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2024 10:37 am
by bc12d
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 ?

Re: Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2024 5:49 pm
by 6597
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.

Re: Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2024 8:43 pm
by bc12d
Great Thanks

Re: Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2024 10:05 am
by bc12d
One more question are the 1946 47 Cessna 120 and 140 the same airframe, and are the struts interchangeable?

Re: Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2024 1:13 pm
by 6643
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."

Re: Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2024 4:19 pm
by bc12d
Thank you, yes I will

Re: Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2024 5:09 pm
by 6597
Just to be clear, interchangeable by serial number but not interchangeable by side........ :D

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.