Parts for your 2018 Mazda Bt-50-Gas struts

Are gas struts used on the 2018 Mazda BT‑50?

Short answer: not from factory. On the 2018 Mazda BT‑50 (UP/UR series), gas struts are not fitted to the bonnet or the tailgate as standard equipment. The bonnet uses a manual stay/prop rod, and the tub tailgate is supported by steel cables (with no factory gas-assisted dampers). This set‑up is consistent with its T6-platform twin, the Ford Ranger PX series.

Technical references that confirm this include: the Mazda BT‑50 (UP/UR) Workshop Manual, Body section—Bonnet, which specifies a bonnet stay rather than lift struts, the Body/Exterior documentation for the T6-platform Ford Ranger PX, which mirrors the bonnet stay arrangement, and Mazda Australia/NZ accessory catalogues circa 2018 that list tailgate assist kits as dealer- or aftermarket-fit items, not standard fitment. In other words, if a BT‑50 has gas struts on the bonnet or tailgate, they’ve almost certainly been added later.

Why Mazda didn’t fit gas struts? It’s largely about durability, simplicity and cost in a heavy‑duty ute environment. A prop rod and cable-supported tailgate are rugged, cheap to service, and less affected by dust, mud and salt. They also avoid the gradual loss of force that gas struts can suffer with age and heat. For fleet and tradie use, fewer moving parts generally means fewer headaches.

If a canopy is fitted, its lift-up glass or doors typically do use gas struts—those are part of the canopy system, not the base vehicle. Likewise, many owners choose aftermarket “tailgate assist” gas struts to make the tub lid easier to control. For those, a bit of care goes a long way:

• Keep the chrome shafts clean, wipe off grit and don’t spray with petroleum-based lubricants (a dry silicone cloth is fine).
• Replace in pairs if lift or damping weakens, you notice oil weep, binding, or the panel drops faster than usual.
• After beach work, rinse the area to minimise corrosion around mounting brackets and ball studs.
• Expect performance changes with temperature—hot Aussie/Kiwi summers can make weak struts seem better than they are.

Bottom line: the 2018 BT‑50 doesn’t ship with gas struts on the bonnet or tailgate, but many accessories do. If they’re fitted, treat them as consumables and service or replace as needed.

Popular questions about 2018 Mazda BT‑50 gas struts

Do 2018 BT‑50s come with bonnet or tailgate gas struts from factory?
No. Factory vehicles use a bonnet prop rod and tailgate support cables. Any gas struts on these points are aftermarket or part of an accessory kit.

Can gas struts be added to the BT‑50 tailgate or a canopy?
Yes. Tailgate assist kits and canopy gas struts are common upgrades. Choose kits designed for the UP/UR BT‑50, follow torque specs for brackets, and replace struts in pairs for balanced operation.

How do you know aftermarket gas struts need replacing?
Signs include the panel dropping quickly, struggling to lift/hold, visible oil film on the shaft, or clunks and binding. If one fails, plan to change both to keep even support.