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Ford F-150 Tailgate Lift Supports
Ford F-150 Tailgate lift supports
Starting at $22.95, AutoBuffy stocks 1 tailgate lift supports from FCS to fit the Ford F-150. 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.
Signs your Ford F-150 needs new tailgate lift supports
- Tailgate falls open under its own weight instead of staying at a horizontal position
- Tailgate drifts down slowly when held open, requiring you to prop it up manually
- Visible oil streaks or wet residue along the body of the strut, indicating a blown seal
- Strut rod is bent, corroded, or pitted, causing it to bind or stick during operation
- Tailgate slams shut on its own when you release it, rather than holding position
- Loud popping or clicking when opening or closing the tailgate, suggesting a failed end-cap clip or collapsed strut
Which tailgate lift support should you buy for your Ford F-150?
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.
OE-Replacement (standard pressure)
Best for
Drivers who want factory feel and straightforward fitment
What you get
Matched gas charge and stroke length to original specs; direct bolt-on installation
Heavy-Duty / Extended-Cycle
Best for
High-mileage trucks or frequent bed users who open the tailgate multiple times daily
What you get
Reinforced seals, heavier-gauge rod, and higher cycle rating for longer service life
Pair / Kit (both struts)
Best for
Anyone replacing a failed strut, regardless of mileage
What you get
Balanced lift force on both sides, eliminates uneven sag, and saves a second labor session later
Liftgate-Specific (power tailgate models)
Best for
Vehicles equipped with a factory power-assist or hands-free tailgate system
What you get
Calibrated pressure that works with the power-assist motor; avoids overloading the motor or causing fault codes
| 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 |
Tailgate lift supports brands we stock for your Ford F-150
FCS
1 option · from $22.95
Replacing tailgate lift supports on a Ford F-150
Easy⏱ 30–60 minutesTrim clip removal tool or flathead screwdriverNeedle-nose pliersSafety prop or second person to hold the tailgate openRatchet and socket set (if mounting bolts are present)Penetrating oil (for corroded end fittings)
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.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace tailgate lift supports on a Ford F-150?
Parts start at $22.95 at AutoBuffy. Replacing both struts yourself keeps the total near the parts cost alone. A shop will typically add one to two hours of labor. Buying a pair at once is almost always more cost-effective than replacing one side now and returning for the other later.
Can I drive my Ford F-150 with a broken tailgate lift support?
Technically yes, but it is a real safety risk. A tailgate that will not stay open can drop onto a person loading cargo or strike a following vehicle if it falls while driving. Most states also require cargo to be properly secured, and an unsupported tailgate complicates that. Replace failed struts promptly.
Do I need to replace both tailgate lift supports at the same time on my Ford F-150?
Replacing both is strongly recommended. Lift supports on the same vehicle age at the same rate, so if one has failed the other is close behind. A single new strut paired with a weak old one creates uneven force, which can twist the tailgate or cause it to hold at an angle instead of level.
How long do tailgate lift supports last on a Ford F-150?
Lifespan varies widely based on climate, use frequency, and whether the tailgate is regularly overloaded. In general, most struts last several years under normal use, but exposure to road salt, extreme heat, or constant heavy cargo can shorten that range significantly. Inspect them if the tailgate begins to sag or drift.
Are aftermarket tailgate lift supports as good as OEM on a Ford F-150?
Quality aftermarket struts from reputable brands in our FCS lineup match OEM pressure ratings and mounting dimensions. Look for units with sealed rods and corrosion-resistant coatings. Budget no-name struts often use thinner rods and lower-quality seals that leak prematurely, so sticking to a known brand matters for this application.
How do I know which tailgate lift support fits my Ford F-150?
Use the AutoBuffy year-make-model selector to filter the 1 options down to confirmed fits for your Ford F-150. Key variables are extended and compressed length, end-fitting style (ball-stud versus pin), and gas force rating in Newtons or pounds. Verify whether your F-150 has a standard or power-assist tailgate before ordering.