Has any one used a hood strut/shock as a splitter rod?

Hi. I'm looking at different splitter rod solutions and wondering if anyone has tried using a hood strut as a support rod.  Seems like it would be the perfect thing as it could move up and compress if you hit curbing but would stay rigid downward when fully extended.    Thanks for any feedback. 

I replaced a pair of them yesterday. They're pretty heavy for their size and I think that the splitter wouldn't have enough leverage to compress even the old ones that I removed. 

I don't think strong arms are meant to be used under tension. I see them pulling apart. But a motorcycle shock in conjunction with a bellcrank to act as a buffer when/if the splitter bottoms out, you might be on to something.

In reply to Appleseed :

Thanks.  You might be right.  Would need to stress test one under full load, 100+ lbs...?  Probably not worth the hassle. 

Could also use wire rope? (That would only be stiff under tension) 

I like the outside the box idea!

I'm planning to use some old worn out struts that I salvaged from an ottoman lid for the splitter on my challenge car. They compress without any effort. I hadn't thought about pull testing them before using them, but that is a good idea.

Robbie (Forum Supporter) said:

Could also use wire rope? (That would only be stiff under tension) 

I like the outside the box idea!

I made one that's hinged and uses the wire rope (mostly because cheap). Has not been tested at speed yet but with the front end sheet metal etc. in place I can stand on the splitter. Not all of the wire supports are shown in the pics.

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