J3/PA18 Struts

[D.A.]

I know the original J3 struts are smaller in cross section than PA18 struts, but when Univair makes their AD Compliant sealed struts, are the J3 and -18 struts the same other than the strut forks? Can -18 struts be used on a J3 as long as you use the J3 forks? Thanks in advance.

 

[bob turner]

No. There is some commonality between PA-11 and Super Cub, but I forget which. I got a field approval to use PA-11 struts on the J3. Adds six lbs. Probably not worth it.

 

[WhiskeyMike]

The airfoil on PA-11/18 struts is more streamlined than the J-3 but the attach fittings and forks on the J-3 (and I suspect on the -11) are much smaller. Atlee Dodge once gave me 337 copies to install -18 struts on our J-3's with 135 HP engines. We welded on new fuselage fittings. Be my choice for anything with bigger than O-200 engine.

Edit: Just to be clear...the metal fitting on the J-3 fuselage that receives the open end of the forks is much smaller than the one on the PA-18. Therefore, the fork ends on the J-3 -11 are much smaller as well.

 

[Dan Gervae]

J3 struts are smaller cross section, but they do come with the 5/8” strut fork….the fork end is different though…the J3/PA11 forks end is a little different…the strut bracket on the fuselage has the holes slightly closer together on the J3/11 and SuperCub forks will interfere