You can fix that scary hood or liftgate drop with the right Ford Expedition lift supports. Try ECCPP rear window supports for 1991 to 2001 and 2003 models, or 4067 front hood supports for 1995 Expedition and 2001 to 2005 Sport Trac. For 2011 to 2015, pick 700N tailgate struts with OEM sizing. A Premium hood supports fit 2002 to 2010. For 2016 to 2019, choose quiet power struts, and you’ll see what matters next.
| ECCPP Rear Window Lift Supports for Ford Explorer (2) |
| Best for Older Models | Vehicle fitment: Explorer 1991–2001 & 2003; Mazda Navajo 1991–1994; Mountaineer 1997–2001 | Mount location: Rear window / liftgate (rear hatch area) | Pack quantity: 2 pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Front Hood Lift Supports for Ford Explorer (2pcs) |
| Best Hood Upgrade | Vehicle fitment: Explorer 1995 (4.0L); Sport Trac 2001–2005 (4.0L) | Mount location: Front hood | Pack quantity: 2 pcs | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ford Explorer 2011-2015 Tailgate Lift Supports (2-Pack) |
| Best for 2011-2015 | Vehicle fitment: Explorer 2011–2015 | Mount location: Rear tailgate / hatch | Pack quantity: 2 pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| A-Premium Hood Lift Supports for Ford Explorer (2-Pack) |
| Best OEM-Style Fit | Vehicle fitment: Explorer 2002–2010; Sport Trac 2007–2010 | Mount location: Front hood (left & right) | Pack quantity: 2 pack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Rear Liftgate Power Struts for 2016-2019 Ford Explorer (Pair) |
| Best Power Liftgate Replacement | Vehicle fitment: Explorer 2016–2019 (+ Police Interceptor Utility 2016–2019) | Mount location: Rear power liftgate (tailgate) | Pack quantity: Pair (2) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
ECCPP Rear Window Lift Supports for Ford Explorer (2)
In case you drive an older Explorer and you’re tired of that rear glass dropping without warning, the ECCPP Rear Window Lift Supports are a smart match because they’re designed for the exact years many people still rely on, including Ford Explorer models from 1991 to 2001 and 2003, plus the 1991 to 1994 Mazda Navajo and 1997 to 2001 Mercury Mountaineer. They also cross fit 4608 SG304009.
Next, you get strength that lasts. The insulated piston rod handles heat, while multi lobe seals fight vibration and harsh weather. Compressed gas does the lifting, so your hatch stays up. Installation takes minutes with hand tools, and you’re protected with a one year warranty.
- Vehicle fitment:Explorer 1991–2001 & 2003; Mazda Navajo 1991–1994; Mountaineer 1997–2001
- Mount location:Rear window / liftgate (rear hatch area)
- Pack quantity:2 pack
- Replacement reference:Replaces 4608 / SG304009
- Installation tools:Simple hand tools; no special tools
- Warranty:1-year warranty
- Additional Feature:High-temp insulated rods
- Additional Feature:Multi-lobe vibration seals
- Additional Feature:Gas-charged cylinder force
Front Hood Lift Supports for Ford Explorer (2pcs)
Should your Explorer’s hood feel heavy or won’t stay up, these 2-piece front hood lift supports are a smart, stress-saving fix that helps you investigate under the hood with real peace of mind. They’re made for 1995 Ford Explorer 4.0L models and 2001 to 2005 Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L, and they replace lift support part number 4067. Next, you’ll notice the smooth, controlled rise from the gas spring strut design. Powder-coated cylinders and treated piston rods help prevent sudden drops. Installation takes minutes with basic hand tools, and you get a 12-month warranty and friendly support.
- Vehicle fitment:Explorer 1995 (4.0L); Sport Trac 2001–2005 (4.0L)
- Mount location:Front hood
- Pack quantity:2 pcs
- Replacement reference:Replaces 4067
- Installation tools:Basic hand tools; no special tools
- Warranty:12-month warranty
- Additional Feature:Powder-coated cylinders
- Additional Feature:Treated piston rod
- Additional Feature:Controlled lifting speed
Ford Explorer 2011-2015 Tailgate Lift Supports (2-Pack)
Your 2011 to 2015 Ford Explorer feels like the best match for this 2-pack of tailgate lift supports whenever you desire the hatch to stay up with steady, confident strength instead of dropping the moment you reach for groceries. You get OEM matched sizing, 25.72 inches extended and 17.91 compressed, plus 700N of lift so you don’t struggle with the door. Stainless steel and a spray paint coating help block rust, fading, and wet weather. Each strut is tested for 50,000 cycles. It replaces many OE numbers, and you’re supported by 12-month coverage and fast help.
- Vehicle fitment:Explorer 2011–2015
- Mount location:Rear tailgate / hatch
- Pack quantity:2 pack
- Replacement reference:Replaces OE 96681/6681/914453/9969/PM3050 + BB5Z 78406A10/A11 variants
- Installation tools:Installation guidance provided (DIY-friendly)
- Warranty:12-month replacement coverage
- Additional Feature:700N force rating
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel build
- Additional Feature:50,000-cycle tested
A-Premium Hood Lift Supports for Ford Explorer (2-Pack)
A-Premium Hood Lift Supports (2-Pack) make the most sense for you in case you drive a 2002 to 2010 Ford Explorer or a 2007 to 2010 Explorer Sport Trac and you’re tired of a hood that won’t stay up. You get left and right struts that replace the originals, and you won’t need special tools. Just match your vehicle initially, using references like 4142 or SG404025.
Next, you’ll feel the difference in daily use. The leak-proof piston seal helps stop fluid loss, while the rod finish fights rust. Your hood lifts easier and closes with less effort. Packaging stays sturdy, and you’re covered by a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee.
- Vehicle fitment:Explorer 2002–2010; Sport Trac 2007–2010
- Mount location:Front hood (left & right)
- Pack quantity:2 pack
- Replacement reference:Ref. 4142 / SG404025 / 1L2Z16C826AA (and others listed)
- Installation tools:Direct fit; no special tools
- Warranty:1-year unlimited-mileage guarantee
- Additional Feature:Leak-proof piston seal
- Additional Feature:Corrosion-resistant rod finish
- Additional Feature:Thick protective packaging
Rear Liftgate Power Struts for 2016-2019 Ford Explorer (Pair)
At the moment your power liftgate starts hesitating, buzzing, or dropping faster than you trust, this pair of Rear Liftgate Power Struts is made for you and your 2016 to 2019 Ford Explorer, including Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum, and even the Police Interceptor Utility. You get a direct fit that replaces GB5Z14B351A and GB5Z78406A10A, so your tailgate behaves again.
Next, you’ll sense the difference in motion. The upgraded motor runs smooth, with low noise and less shake. Strong steel holds steady, and it’s tested for 50,000 cycles. Plug and play wiring keeps install fast, and you’re backed with a 1-year warranty.
- Vehicle fitment:Explorer 2016–2019 (+ Police Interceptor Utility 2016–2019)
- Mount location:Rear power liftgate (tailgate)
- Pack quantity:Pair (2)
- Replacement reference:Replaces GB5Z14B351A & GB5Z78406A10A
- Installation tools:Plug & play; no complicated mods; basic hand tools
- Warranty:1-year service warranty
- Additional Feature:Power strut motor upgrade
- Additional Feature:Low-noise operation
- Additional Feature:50,000-cycle tested
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ford Explorer Shock Lift Supports
Before you buy Ford Explorer shock lift supports, you’ll want to match them to your vehicle year so they fit right and feel safe every time you open the hood or liftgate. Next, you should confirm you’re buying the correct type for hood vs tailgate use, and you’ll want the OEM part number to match so you don’t end up with a “close enough” support that fails prematurely. Finally, you can choose with confidence once you check the lift force rating and confirm the extended and compressed length, because those details control how smoothly it lifts and how securely it stays up.
Vehicle Year Compatibility
With the right year, for your Ford Explorer, you can pick shock lift supports that fit cleanly and feel safe every time you open the hood or tailgate. Explorer designs change across generations, so the correct model year range matters as much as the part brand.
Start with matching your exact year, not just “Explorer.” Early 1990s through initial 2000s models often use different lengths and mounting points than post 2010 Explorers. Then examine closer at 2011 and newer years, because updated body sizes and mechanisms can call for new force ratings. You could see the same supports listed for similar Ford vehicles from the same era, but don’t guess. Confirm the stated year range, compare part numbers, and double-check fit notes. That helps you avoid poor sealing, stiff opening, or fast, scary closing.
Hood Vs Tailgate Use
Why does a hood support feel so different from a tailgate support, even on the same Ford Expedition? You’re managing two jobs. A hood strut must lift with control, then hold steady while you work. It’s usually shorter, and it’s tuned for smooth, safe motion so the hood doesn’t jump up or drop on your hands.
Now shift to the rear. A liftgate is bigger and heavier, so tailgate supports often use higher force. That extra strength helps as soon as the hatch feels hard to raise, slams down too fast, or won’t stay open. Fit matters, too, because the range of motion is different. You can install either with basic tools, but you must choose the right location initially, hood or tailgate.
OEM Part Number Match
How can you feel sure the new lift supports will fit your Ford Explorer the initial time? Start with the OEM part number. At the moment you match it, you line up with your exact make, model, and year, so you don’t gamble on fit.
Next, that number protects the way your Explorer was built to work. You keep the original mounting points, the correct length, and the same safe motion Ford designed. Without a match, you can end up fighting brackets, crooked alignment, or supports that won’t sit right, and that’s a headache you don’t need.
Also, OEM numbers make shopping calmer. You can investigate listings fast, confirm specs, and double check materials and build quality against factory standards. It’s like using the right key, not guessing locks.
Lift Force Rating
OEM part numbers direct you to the correct style of lift support, but the lift force rating is what determines whether your Explorer’s hood or liftgate will actually remain up the way you anticipate. That rating tells you how much push the support delivers, usually in Newtons or pounds. Whenever it matches your hood or tailgate’s weight and size, you get a steady hold that doesn’t droop or surprise you.
Next, consider what happens once the force is off. Too little force and the panel can sink, making you brace it with your shoulder. Too much force and you can stress the mounting points, creating rattles or premature wear. Reputable brands test thousands of compression cycles at the stated force, so you can trust the feel every time.
Extended And Compressed Length
Measurements act like a quiet safety net as you open your Explorer’s hood or liftgate, and extended and compressed length sit right at the center of that trust. Extended length is how long the support gets once it’s fully open. Compressed length is how short it becomes when closed.
Materials And Corrosion Resistance
At any time your Explorer encounters rain, road salt, and messy winter slush, what keeps your lift supports from evolving into squeaky, weak troublemakers? It starts with the metal. Choose high-quality stainless steel whenever you can, because it fights rust and keeps its strength for years. That means fewer stuck hatches and fewer cold-morning surprises.
Next, look for protective finishes. Powder coating or a tough spray coating helps block moisture, slows surface wear, and keeps the support looking clean instead of chalky and faded. These treatments also handle heat, deep cold, and constant vibration without flaking off.
Because corrosion attacks critical parts, corrosion-resistant materials help preserve smooth support action and reduce wear from salt. Pair that with high-strength, leak-proof piston seals, and you cut the risk of fluid loss that rust can exacerbate.
Seal And Rod Quality
Rust-proof metal and tough coatings handle the outside fight, but the real make-or-break parts live inside the lift support, where the seal and rod do the daily work. You feel the difference whenever the hatch rises steady instead of sagging or slipping.
Start with the piston rod. A high-quality rod often has insulation that handles high heat, so it won’t fade fast in summer parking lots. Then look at the finish. A smoother, superior finish resists corrosion, so rust can’t chew up the surface and drag the motion.
Next comes the seal. You’ll want leak-proof piston seals to stop fluid loss, because leaks turn strong lift into weak lift. Multi-lobe seals add grip against vibration and wild temperature swings. Together, tough materials keep lifts smooth during life gets bumpy.
Installation Tool Requirements
Although lift supports look like a small upgrade, the tools you’ll need can make the job feel either calm and quick or frustrating and stuck. Whenever you choose Ford Explorer shock lift supports, check that they’re true direct replacements, because that’s what keeps the tool list simple and stress low.
Next, consider what you already own. Most sets go on with basic hand tools, like a flat screwdriver to pop the retaining clip, plus a small wrench or socket to loosen and tighten hardware. You won’t need special pullers, drilling, or extra brackets, so you can skip the “garage full of gadgets” feeling. Since the swap usually takes only minutes, you can finish before your coffee cools, and your liftgate won’t keep testing your patience.
