Fwd wing strut misalignment

[cawpo]

I purchased a set of new lift struts from Alaskan airframes and when I tried to install them last July I found that the angle of the upper attach hole in the strut was about two degrees different than mine and that throws the lower end about five inches forward of the fuselage fitting. This is a long story which I won't bore you with now but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this situation. I have talked to other manufacturers and they have not seen this although Alaska airframes has experienced several cases and they have filed paperwork to make a strut with an eight degree difference. That would be a huge change when you see the change two degrees makes. I don't know if I am the only one or if others just use them as is and preload the wing fitting and spar. The old struts are original and aircraft has not been wrecked. Both sides are the same. After much research the FAA did tell me that their original STC drawings showed two degrees off center for the fitting with a two degree plus or minus so by the drawing they are within specs but I hate to install like this. If you put the lower bolt in first and bring the outer end up as you normally would there is no way to install bolt. Hope someone has some insight.

[mikeg]

Re: Fwd wing strut misalignment

You might try loosening the lift strut attach fitting bolts where they attach to the spar. May allow the fittings to shift enough to align the bolt holes in the fittings to the strut. Don't forget to retighten the attach fitting bolts.
Mike

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Fwd wing strut misalignment

I think cawpo is the one who called and sent pictures; I do not have an answer ; has any one else had problems with the Airframe stuts. I suggested he somehow check his originals against known good ones. It is obvious that the new struts are wrong . OR his airplane is the problem ; wish it was here or I was there. Wag Aero ones have been fine .

[astjp2]

Re: Fwd wing strut misalignment

I had the same problem, I installed the upper end then the lower. Tim