Interesting, mine are still working strong after several months.

 

Just ordered mine.

I was a bit annoyed at almost 10 dollar shipping but then as I was about to check out, it had a thing that said "Use this coupon code for 12 percent off NYE2012" so that made me feel a bit better about it. Cant wait to get these on.


2 Lift Supports 6421/48154 $44.10

Subtotal: $44.10

Shipping: $9.94

Tax: $0.00

12% savings: -$5.29

Total: $48.75

 

Perhaps just one of them is defective. See if you can test somehow and give the company a ring. Not saying it doesnt suck, but these things happen. Hopefully the company will step up for you.

 

He did send me a replacement set but I havent installed them yet. The customer service is excellent no question. Funny thing is he recommended they be installed upside down because they last longer.

 

Well thats awesome to hear. Hopefully this set last longer for you.

Thats pretty interesting that he suggested that. When they say upside down, which way is that oriented? I'm picturing the rod facing down and the fat part up so maybe moisture doesnt run down into it? (or is that right side up..haha)...

 

I just signed the papers on my X yesterday, found this forum last night, and read this thread right off the bat. Since my rear hatch was VERY hard to lift, I figured that I might as well start my modding here.. lol

And, since I dont like to wait, I found some 4x2 lift supports locally that did the trick.

They are Srong Arm Lift brand part #E4139 and they extend to 14.72"s. I didnt measure before and after, but Im sure they gave me at least 2"s more height out of my hatch.

I got them at my local Advance Auto for $24.29 each. However, with a coupon code I ended up paying only $16.20 each.

Thanks for the tip!!

 

...how much clearance do you have on your front springs (spring to bump stop)? That might be your next mod!

 

Dunno yet... I will check tomorrow. Whats factory?

 

I don't know that anyone really measured when they bought their Excursions new back in 2000-2005...but if you are less than 1 1/2", it's probably time to do a spring swap. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...p-by-step.html



Sorry guys! Back to the OP.

 

Yeah, sorry about the hijack... One question though. I cant get PMs yet, so feel free to post it on my profile. I read over your thread a bit but I havent figured out how to tell if I have a V or B "code" X.

 

You don't...the V/B springs are off of F250's/F350's. V codes are front springs, B codes are back springs. Your stock spring code will be on the B pillar sticker.

Unless of course the owner did the mod before you bought it. If he did you probably will already have plenty of clearance.

 

Just ordered a set can't wait for them to show up!

 

I got a set of the supports. I have some questions:

1 Should you be able to compress them by hand?
2 Do you pry the old ones off or remove the spring clip first?
3 How do you remove the spring?

I have a piece of 1/2 in pvc pipe to lift the hatch (the hatch has never lifted itself or stayed up even after I replaced them); is this sufficient to support the hatch while installing the new supports?

Thanks, Norris

 

No way you could compress them by hand.
pry the spring clip up as I recall, like most lift supports.

the pvc will probably work.

I don't recall using anything to support it.
Take one side off, then I just loosened clips on both ends of the old remaining one and new one.
Lifted it up took one off and put new in place.
Then put new one on other side.

 

I'd think that 1/2 PVC would bend under the weight, but you'd have to try it. That lift gate is HEAVY. Better would be a 2x4 or a friend to help the PVC hold the weight.

That said, you could just hold it up with something yourself (some have used their head...) as you take the clips off and replace the old arm.

Good luck! You'll really like the result.