I shoulda know you wouldn't let a small thing like that slip past ya Dusty! Yeah, mine made that "creaking, groaning" sound just before they let go! I'd go with Trail Tough for the OME struts. They have them in stock, and ship quick. I'm STILL waiting on a refund , for over a month, from Rocky Road, for the OME struts I ordered, then found out they were out of stock, and would be for 6 to 8 weeks! They kept my $ though~! Don't reccomend them. OME's are pricey, but well worth it. It definitely finishes the lift off well.