Ford Lift Support

FAQs—Ford Lift Support

1. Do I always have to change both lift supports? Can’t I just replace the weak or loose side?

Although you can order a lift support per piece or separately, it’s always better to do the replacement by pair since the supports work hand in hand like your wipers. If the other one is already loose, the other lift support will also lose its gas charge eventually. It would save you time and money to replace both at the same time.

2. I’m shopping for a Ford lift support set online, but as I go through all these details and specs, I got quite confused. What are the measurements I should consider? I want to find a set that’s a perfect match to the old ones I have.

Consider the extended and retracted length when looking into measurements and comparing specs. Aside from the length, you should also take note of the ends and the stroke. The ends actually vary. You may have to choose between 8mm or 10 mm nylon or metal ball studs, for instance. Eyelets come in different specs as well. You have to check if you need something that fits a torx type or a claw type, just in case. You have to get the stroke right, which is the piston’s travel distance, to ensure proper fit and function.

3. My friend is selling me a brand-new lift support set that he purchased online. However, the stroke length doesn’t match that of my old lift support. Is this a minor detail I can overlook? Or will this affect how the hatch lift supports will work?

The stroke is the travel distance of the piston. If this is too short, then the hatch may not be shut properly or won’t work as expected. You have to check the actual length of the shaft to determine the stroke length. It should match the old lift supports you’re using.

4. I need to know the measurements of the lift supports I will be replacing to be able to double check if they’re a great match to the ones I’ll be buying. I already encountered a problem before when the lift supports I ordered turned out to be an improper fit, even if the store advertised them to be a precise match for my Ford. How do I measure the length of the lift support?

You have to measure the extended and retracted length of the lift support. Adjust it to its full length and collapsed position to get the right measurements. Do the measurement from the middle of the rivet, ball socket, or eyelet. You can also check the manual for the specs and use these for comparison.

5. What’s the typical lifespan of a lift support?

It would be hard to predict how long a lift support would last since its condition is based on different factors affecting the output force. These include the ambient temperature, size, vibration, number of cycles, orientation, mounting position, and exposure to the elements, among other things. Basically, the lifespan would be determined by these factors and the frequency of use, along with other specific conditions. But no matter what the conditions are, lift supports are bound to lose their output force after some time.

6. I just relocated to a state known for its extreme weather/temperature. What would be a good set of lift support to look for considering the climate in the area? I also want to know how the temperature or weather can affect the condition of the lift support.

In your case, the best type of lift supports to use would be those that are designed with multi-lip seals. These features will help preserve the gas inside the lift support. Variations in temperature will have an impact on the gas stored inside the support. Due to lower or higher temperatures, volume change can be between 3% to 4%. There would be higher output force during hotter days and lower output force during colder days. Aside from the gas charge, the ambient temperature will also affect the rubber parts inside, which can go stiff with lower temperatures or loose with higher temperatures.

7. I tried to install a new set of lift support for my Ford. Unfortunately, the strut is stuck in open position. How can I fix this?

A static seal may be causing this problem. In such a case, what you have to do is put in the new strut one at a time. As you put in each strut, open and close the door or hatch carefully.