Parts for your 2018 Ford Transit-Gas struts

2018 Ford Transit gas struts

Based on Ford technical literature — including the 2018 Ford Transit Owner’s Manual and the Workshop Manual (section 501‑03 Body Closures), plus the Body and Equipment Mounting Manual — gas‑charged support struts are used on 2018 Transit models fitted with the rear liftgate. Vans and buses with twin swing‑out rear doors use detent hinges instead, and the bonnet uses a prop rod rather than struts. So, for any 2018 Transit with a rear liftgate, gas struts are relevant service items.

On a 2018 Ford Transit with the rear liftgate, gas struts do the heavy lifting — literally. They counterbalance the weight of the tailgate, making it easy to raise and holding it steadily at full open so it won’t drop on a windy day. They’re nitrogen‑charged dampers tuned to the liftgate’s weight, hinges and geometry, delivering smooth opening and controlled closing without slam.

Like any pressurised component, gas struts fade with age and use. Cold mornings make a tired strut feel even weaker. Tell‑tale signs include needing to shoulder the liftgate to get it up, the door creeping down on its own, uneven lifting left to right, hissing, or oil mist around the rod seal. If any of that shows up, it’s time to replace them.

Best practice is to replace in pairs to keep the lift balanced and prevent twisting the hinges. Select struts that match the original specification (length, end fittings and force rating in newtons) as listed in Ford parts catalogues for the exact body style and liftgate option. During replacement, always support the liftgate securely — a prop or a mate on hand is a must — and avoid grabbing the polished rod with tools. Don’t try to re‑gas old struts, sealed units are designed to be replaced, not rebuilt.

During routine servicing, a quick check goes a long way: confirm smooth lift, full hold at the top, no binding, and no weeping seals. Keep the rods clean, don’t lubricate the chrome shafts, as oils can damage the seals and attract grit. Expect typical life to be 5–8 years depending on usage, load on the gate (racks, signage, glazing), and climate. If the van works hard all day with frequent openings, plan earlier replacement to keep it safe and easy to use.

Do all 2018 Ford Transits have gas struts?

No. Only models with the single‑piece rear liftgate use gas struts. Transits with twin swing‑out rear doors don’t use struts, and the bonnet uses a prop rod. Check your rear door type to be sure.

How can someone tell their Transit’s gas struts need replacing?

If the liftgate won’t stay up, drops in a breeze, lifts unevenly, feels heavy, or shows oil around the rod, the struts are likely tired. Cold weather making it worse is another giveaway.

Should gas struts be replaced in pairs on a Transit?

Yes. Replacing both keeps lift and hold even, protects the hinges, and restores proper damping. Mixing one old with one new can cause twisting and premature wear.