Parts for your 2013 Ford Transit-Gas struts

2013 Ford Transit gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Ford’s technical literature, gas struts are used on 2013 Ford Transit models only where a single-piece rear liftgate/tailgate is fitted, vans with twin rear cargo doors use mechanical check straps instead, and the bonnet uses a prop rod rather than struts. This is consistent with the Ford Transit 2006–2013 Workshop Manual (Body Closures, 501-03) and the 2013 Transit Owner’s Manual sections covering liftgates and rear doors, which note gas-pressurised supports for the tailgate and no struts for the bonnet or barn doors.

Where fitted, the gas struts on a 2013 Transit do the heavy lifting for the tailgate. They counterbalance the door’s weight so it opens smoothly and stays put, even on a breezy arvo at the worksite. Over time, seals age and the internal gas pressure drops, which makes the tailgate slow to rise or unwilling to stay up. That’s when replacement is on the cards.

Servicing is simple: there’s no scheduled interval, and Ford specifies that gas struts are maintenance-free. Don’t lubricate the shiny piston rod—oil or grease attracts grit and damages the seals. Keep the rods clean with a soft cloth, and if corrosion or pitting is visible, plan a replacement before it nicks someone’s noggin. Temperature also plays a part: on a frosty South Island morning, tired struts can feel noticeably weaker.

• Common warning signs:
  • Tailgate droops, won’t hold fully open, or needs a shove to lift
  • Hissing sounds, oil film on the rod, or visible scoring/pitting
  • One side working harder than the other (door twists as it opens)

Replacement best practice is to swap them in pairs and match the exact spec for the body style. The job is straightforward: support the tailgate safely with a prop or a mate, flick up the retaining clips at each ball joint, pop the old struts off, then press the new ones on until they click home. No need to pry the clips right off. Avoid using generic “universal” struts unless they’re correctly rated, under-spec units will sag, and over-spec can stress hinge points.

If your Transit has twin rear doors, you won’t find gas struts back there—and that’s by design. Hinged cargo doors use robust hinges and check straps to give wide opening angles and withstand frequent loading dock knocks, which suits trade and fleet use better than a liftgate for many operators.

Popular questions

Does my 2013 Ford Transit actually have gas struts?
It depends on the rear door style. If it has a single-piece liftgate/tailgate, yes—there’ll be a gas strut on each side. If it has twin “barn” doors, there are no gas struts. The bonnet uses a prop rod on this generation.

Can gas struts be re-gassed, or should they just be replaced?
Most OE-style struts are sealed units. While some specialists can re-gas certain types, replacement with quality new struts is usually the faster and more reliable fix, and it keeps things within the intent of Ford’s service guidance for maintenance-free supports.

How long do Transit tailgate struts last?
Anywhere from 5–10 years is common, but life varies with use, loading, and climate. Frequent opening, dusty worksites, or coastal air can shorten their lifespan. If the tailgate won’t stay up confidently, it’s time to organise a new pair.