Parts for your 2017 Ford Transit-Gas struts

2017 Ford Transit gas struts — what’s fitted and how to look after them

Based on technical references — the Ford Transit (VO/V363) 2015–2019 Workshop Manual (Body Closures), Ford Electronic Parts Catalogue/Microcat listings for 2017 Transit, and OE supplier catalogues (e.g., Stabilus Lift-O-MAT applications) — gas struts are not used on the bonnet of a 2017 Ford Transit (a manual prop rod is specified), and they’re not used on the common twin rear “barn” doors or on sliding side doors. Gas struts are factory-fitted only on the single-piece rear liftgate/tailgate variant. So, if this 2017 Transit has the liftgate option, it uses a pair of gas-charged support struts, if it has double rear doors, gas struts aren’t relevant to the back of the vehicle.

Where fitted (rear liftgate models), the gas struts do the heavy lifting — literally. They counterbalance the weight of the tailgate, control its opening speed, and hold it safely at full height so there’s no head-banging while loading. Each strut is a sealed, nitrogen-charged damper with oil for smooth motion. Over time, seals harden, gas pressure drops, and cold weather can expose a weak strut. That’s why it’s smart to treat them like any other service item on a working van.

Practical maintenance is simple. At each service (or at least annually), check that the liftgate rises smoothly and holds itself at full extension. Wipe the chrome rods clean with a soft cloth — grit on the rod can chew out the seals. Don’t spray silicone or petroleum grease on the rod, it attracts dust and can contaminate the seals. Inspect for oil misting at the shaft seal, bent rods, cracked end fittings, or loose ball-stud mounts on the body and the tailgate.

Replacement is straightforward and best done in pairs to maintain balanced lift. Support the tailgate fully with a prop or a mate before starting. Pop the retaining clips at the socket ends with a small flat screwdriver, ease the strut off the ball studs, then click the new strut on — clip orientation matching the original. Avoid twisting the body, crushing the cylinder in a vice, or using heat. After fitment, cycle the tailgate a few times to confirm smooth, even lift and proper hold-open height. If the van often carries roof racks or rear signage that adds weight to the liftgate, consider heavy-duty specification struts matched to the Transit’s VO/V363 liftgate to keep the opening effort sweet and safe.

• Typical service check: every 10,000–15,000 km or 12 months
• Replace if the gate won’t stay up, opens sluggishly, or shows oil leakage
• Always replace in pairs on liftgate-equipped Transits

Does a 2017 Ford Transit have gas struts from factory?

Only if it’s the liftgate/tailgate variant. Bonnet uses a prop rod, and the common twin rear doors don’t use struts. The Ford Workshop Manual and parts catalogue for VO/V363 confirm gas struts on the rear liftgate specification only.

How long do Transit liftgate gas struts last?

Five to eight years is typical, but high use, dust, and cold winters can shorten that. If the gate sags, won’t stay up, or needs a shove to start lifting, it’s time for new struts.

Can Transit gas struts be re-gassed, or should they be replaced?

They’re generally sealed units. Re-gassing isn’t recommended for OE-style struts on the Transit, replacing with quality, correct-rate units is the reliable fix.