In case it helps others, I replaced my 4x4 rear glass lift supports and now have 6'7" to the bottom of the pull handle in my 05 Excursion fitted with RAS so no longer hit my head. Folks down to maybe 5' tall should be able to reach the pull handle and folks up to that 6'7" mark have no chance of hitting their head. I didn't measure it, but I'd guess it would be about 6'11" or so from the ground to the metal on the liftgate.


The extended length of the 4x4 lift support is 14".
The extended length of the 4x2 lift support is 14.72".
The extended length of these is 15.87"!
There is another support available with an extended support length of 15.25".

The liftgate will support all the way up to 16.5" before hitting the roof of the vehicle. Someone 5'4" can reach the pulldown handle all the way to 16.25". The only thing to watch out for is the liftgate hitting the roof of your garage if the ceilings are low.

Lou Fishman is incredible to work with. Highly, highly recommended.

$22.05 each.
Lift Supports

 

i may have to look into these....

 

This is good info... being 6'2", I cant even come close to walking under this thing. It feels like it just doesnt open as far as it should anyways...lol

Def on my list of things to do to this.

Thanks!

 

Nice find. I recently replaced mine with some from a local auto parts store and wish they were longer.

 

I believe that the 4x2 supports only raised the hatch a few token inches - I would think that folks in the 5'11 on up range would still hit their head with that solution.

Liftsupportsdepot.com didn't carry a longer than 15.87" lift with the required compressed length, but these particular lifts take away any and all issues for 99% of folks. Given that the hatch is now angled up at maybe a 30° angle, even any rain water is diverted nicely now.

The OEM supports are a joke.

 

Thanks for posting this. You wouldn't happen to have any part numbers would you?

 

He posted the link at the bottom of his first post.

 

Awesome info, rep points added!

 

I'm glad to hear that this information will help someone. If we can't help each other, what good are we, heh?


Ed

 

I hit my head all the time!! thanks for the info.

 

I got tired of hitting my head continuously, too. It's a poor parts choice from Ford out of the gate. Glad to hear that this is helping folks.

Ed

 

2 words.... kick a$$!

This is the best mod I have one to my X thus far. I am 6'3 and even standing on my tip toes, my head does not hit the hatch anymore! Thanks for the tip!!!

 

No worries. That lifted gate puts a smile on my face every single time I open it. Life is good!

 

Sounds good. Mine is 4x4 and a few months ago I finally change our bad stock ones to the 4x2 at 5'-10" I have no problems.

 

I park backed in to the curb so I'm on the sidewalk and the ex isn't and I hit my head on my tailgate all the time. when mine wear out (they are on their way) I'll replace with longer ones. thanks for the tip.