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Starting at $8.95, AutoBuffy stocks 14 tailgate lift supports from Lesjofors and FCS to fit the Ford Escort. A tailgate lift support is a gas-charged strut that holds the tailgate open hands-free while you load cargo. When it fails, the tailgate drops suddenly, creating a safety hazard and making every trip to the truck bed a two-person job.
The main decisions are gas pressure rating, OE-equivalent versus heavy-duty construction, and whether to replace one strut or both. Because lift supports wear at similar rates, replacing them in pairs restores balanced, even support and prevents the good strut from overworking.
| Option | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| OE-Replacement (standard pressure) | Drivers who want factory feel and straightforward fitment | Matched gas charge and stroke length to original specs; direct bolt-on installation |
| Heavy-Duty / Extended-Cycle | High-mileage trucks or frequent bed users who open the tailgate multiple times daily | Reinforced seals, heavier-gauge rod, and higher cycle rating for longer service life |
| Pair / Kit (both struts) | Anyone replacing a failed strut, regardless of mileage | Balanced lift force on both sides, eliminates uneven sag, and saves a second labor session later |
| Liftgate-Specific (power tailgate models) | Vehicles equipped with a factory power-assist or hands-free tailgate system | Calibrated pressure that works with the power-assist motor; avoids overloading the motor or causing fault codes |
Most tailgate lift supports snap onto ball-stud mounts at each end and can be removed by prying the end cap clip off with a trim tool, then pulling the strut free — no special equipment required. Always have a helper or a prop rod holding the tailgate in the open position before you remove the old strut, so the gate does not fall. Installation is the reverse of removal; press each end cap firmly onto its ball stud until you hear it click into place, then test the tailgate through its full range of motion before driving.