Now here's the answer:
Some of the SF8 Sabre textures are 'common' textures, used for any Sabre version (VC textures as well). They reside in the FS main texture folder.
The gear strut texture file is f86jv_gear2.bmp (DXT3 format).
But be aware:
If you alter these textures, the changed ones will appear on any of your Sabres!
Cheers,
Markus.