It is indeed true that if you want functioning struts they must be ordered else where. The units as delivered have 5/32 or 3/16 inch music wire struts without the axles. I prefer the 3/16 wires as they are a bit tougher to bend, in the event of a hard landing. I have used all the brands out there and Spring Air has by far been the most reliable and dependable. The spring loaded down locks have saved my bacon on a couple of occassion's. Good Luck, Dave