Parts for your 1998 Ford Falcon-Gas struts

1998 Ford Falcon gas struts: what they do and when to replace them

Technical references confirm how gas struts apply to the 1998 Ford Falcon (AU Series, launched late 1998). The Ford AU Falcon Workshop/Body manuals describe a bonnet supported by a prop rod and a sedan boot balanced by torsion bars, not by gas struts. The same manuals specify gas-charged “stays” for the AU wagon’s tailgate and liftglass. Aftermarket application guides from Stabilus Lift-O-Mat and Monroe Max-Lift list tailgate and glass struts for the AU wagon, with no factory-fit listings for the sedan boot or bonnet. That makes gas struts relevant for the 1998 Falcon wagon’s tailgate and liftglass, while the sedan and ute rely on different support systems from factory.

For AU wagon owners, gas struts are the unsung heroes that hold the tailgate and liftglass up safely and make opening feel light and predictable. They’re sealed, nitrogen-charged dampers that control speed and support weight without sudden drops. Over time the internal seals wear and pressure fades, especially in cold weather, and the tailgate can start to sag or need a shove to open.

Servicing advice is simple: treat struts as safety-critical and replace in pairs when performance drops. Typical signs include the tailgate drifting down, a “dead spot” mid-lift, oily film on the shaft, or a clunk at full extension. A healthy set should hold the door fully open and feel consistent across seasons.

• Replacement tips: support the tailgate with a prop or helper, wear eye protection, and swap one side at a time. Don’t twist the shaft, use the correct clip tool on ball-joint fittings.
• Hardware check: inspect ball studs and brackets for play or corrosion and torque to spec during refit.
• Care: wipe the chrome shafts clean, avoid lubricants on the shaft itself (they attract grit and chew out seals).
• Fitment: note different forces/lengths for tailgate vs liftglass struts, choose quality, vehicle-specific units rather than “near enough” generics.

Re-gassing old units isn’t standard practice on these, sealed replacements are the reliable fix and usually quick to fit. Lifespan varies with climate and usage, but 5–10 years is common, adding a strut check to routine services is a smart move.

For sedan owners wondering about upgrades: factory didn’t fit gas struts to the AU sedan boot or bonnet. Aftermarket bonnet-strut kits exist as a convenience mod, but they’re not OEM and need proper brackets and clearance checks.

Popular questions about 1998 Ford Falcon gas struts

Do 1998 Ford Falcon sedans have gas struts?
The AU sedan left the factory without gas struts on the bonnet or boot. The bonnet uses a prop rod and the boot uses torsion bars. Only the AU wagon has gas-charged struts on the tailgate and liftglass. Aftermarket bonnet-strut kits are available as a modification if desired.

How often should AU wagon tailgate struts be replaced?
There’s no set interval, replace when performance drops. Commonly that’s every 5–8 years, sooner if the car lives outdoors or the tailgate is used frequently. If the door won’t stay up, needs help to lift, or sags in cold weather, it’s time to fit a new matched pair.

Can old gas struts be re-gassed?
Not typically. Most AU wagon struts are sealed units, re-gassing isn’t economical or reliable. Replacing with quality, model-correct struts is the safe, lasting solution. Dispose of old struts responsibly—depressurise per manufacturer guidance before recycling.