Hatch Lift Struts/ Programmer
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New User
Joined: Feb 2015
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Hatch Lift Struts/ Programmer
I'm new to the FTE forum, so I'm sure these two questions have been asked many times.
First question is whether anyone else has ever had a problem with the rear lift struts not doing the job? I have my dealer's license and bought two 4WD '00 Excursions, a Limited and an XLT. I didn't have any issues with the XLT rear hatch, but needed and installed new lift supports for the rear hatch on the LTD and they still don't hold it up. Any thoughts?
I sold the XLT, so am driving the LTD and the second question is if it would be a good idea to install a programmer even though I will rarely tow anything. I have a K&N filter and Magnaflow exhaust and it shifts as though it has a shift kit, so am wondering how a person would go about determining if a program is currently installed.
Thanks in advance for any input!!
First question is whether anyone else has ever had a problem with the rear lift struts not doing the job? I have my dealer's license and bought two 4WD '00 Excursions, a Limited and an XLT. I didn't have any issues with the XLT rear hatch, but needed and installed new lift supports for the rear hatch on the LTD and they still don't hold it up. Any thoughts?
I sold the XLT, so am driving the LTD and the second question is if it would be a good idea to install a programmer even though I will rarely tow anything. I have a K&N filter and Magnaflow exhaust and it shifts as though it has a shift kit, so am wondering how a person would go about determining if a program is currently installed.
Thanks in advance for any input!!
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 614
Likes: 1
From: Fort Wayne IN
If you replaced both lifts for the rear hatch it should stay up. It sounds like they either sold you lifts that aren't correct or one or both are bad. I have aftermarket lifts on mine and have no issues even with it being below zero.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 1
From: Central Tx.
WELCOME to the world of XXXs
You said they are both 2000's ?? Seems strange because they did not add the programmable rear lift struts till 04
The only way I know to tell if the truck as a non stock program in it is to read or have it read by a programmer
You most likely have incorrect lift struts ( They all have different weight holding specs) And yours sound to weak
You said they are both 2000's ?? Seems strange because they did not add the programmable rear lift struts till 04
The only way I know to tell if the truck as a non stock program in it is to read or have it read by a programmer
You most likely have incorrect lift struts ( They all have different weight holding specs) And yours sound to weak
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 13,011
Likes: 742
From: Here in No. Calif
I have oversized ones and for life of me I cant remember where. Google should help. Also I know some guys put 2wd struts on 4x4`s because they give a little more lift than stock 4x4 ones (rear window)
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 13,011
Likes: 742
From: Here in No. Calif
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 8,303
Likes: 27
From: Salem, VA
OMG THIS! There is a thread in here somewhere about replacing them though so you'll know which ones you want to order 
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Lake Norman
That rear window is heavy and wears out struts especially in the cold. I'm about to change them for the second time on my 2000, so every 6 or 7 years is what I've experienced. Get the oversized one's, you'll be glad you did.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
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From: Ouray, CO
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 641
Likes: 27
From: Toronto, Canada
Having a helper is highly suggested.
Because I never have anyone around to help me and I'm impatient I decided to do the swap myself and let's just say I was lucky not to be in the way of the rear hatch when it came crashing down after my "support" slipped.
If you're going to be replacing the struts, might was well go with the "extended" ones to give you a bit more head room.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-supports.html
Because I never have anyone around to help me and I'm impatient I decided to do the swap myself and let's just say I was lucky not to be in the way of the rear hatch when it came crashing down after my "support" slipped.
If you're going to be replacing the struts, might was well go with the "extended" ones to give you a bit more head room.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-supports.html
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 427
Likes: 5
From: Central Pennsylvania
Having a helper is highly suggested.
Because I never have anyone around to help me and I'm impatient I decided to do the swap myself and let's just say I was lucky not to be in the way of the rear hatch when it came crashing down after my "support" slipped.
If you're going to be replacing the struts, might was well go with the "extended" ones to give you a bit more head room.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-supports.html
Because I never have anyone around to help me and I'm impatient I decided to do the swap myself and let's just say I was lucky not to be in the way of the rear hatch when it came crashing down after my "support" slipped.
If you're going to be replacing the struts, might was well go with the "extended" ones to give you a bit more head room.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-supports.html
All alone with no one to help. If I don't reply in a couple days, I might be squished under the hatch...
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 427
Likes: 5
From: Central Pennsylvania
With the longer travel, you can't replace them one at a time. They both have to come off before you can put one back on due to the length.
Best $35 I have spent on the rig so far. simple pleasures mean not bumping your head on the hatch.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
Likes: 1,546
From: Media PA
It is all good and went much better than expected. Took longer to find the right length prop than it did to do the swap.
With the longer travel, you can't replace them one at a time. They both have to come off before you can put one back on due to the length.
Best $35 I have spent on the rig so far. simple pleasures mean not bumping your head on the hatch.
With the longer travel, you can't replace them one at a time. They both have to come off before you can put one back on due to the length.
Best $35 I have spent on the rig so far. simple pleasures mean not bumping your head on the hatch.
Darn, I was making plans to head to VA Beach to pick up those rims if you didn't make it through the hatch strut job, I mean they are already paid for and all..........
