Cessna 120 lift struts left verses right.

[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.

[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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[bc12d]

That was very helpful,Thanks a bunch

[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 ?

[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.

[bc12d]

Great Thanks

[bc12d]

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

[6643]

are the struts interchangeable?

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

[bc12d]

Thank you, yes I will

[6597]

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.