Anyone ever modify their rear lift gate to open automatically? Or was this an option on any year? My wife and daughter can't lift the rear hatch up because it is too heavy. I would like to somehow rig a hydraulic lift that is remote controlled like some of the newer vans and crossovers. Anyone done this?

 

You may need to change your struts. They may be worn out.

 

I agree with that suggestion.

 

I changed them recently. The originals would not hold the hatch up. With the new ones it opens fine once the door is open an inch or more. But that initial open requires a really strong tug.

 

Hmm....I am guessing no one has done this yet. I have searched the forums, and haven't seen a mention of it. I think I'll have to fabricate something.......

 

Looks like you're going to have to be the first to try this out. If you get something to work, I'm sure a few will be interested.

 

I was thinking of doing the same thing, I saw my cousins Quest and it looks like a motor controled at the hatch. I was thinking of buying one from the scrap yard and moding it to work on the Excursion. I have seen others from I think it was Dodge that was a track system which I think would be to much modification involved.

 

The Ford Flex has a Power Rear Hatch and my be a good candidate as a parts donor.

 

In some of the crazy car magazines (ie lowrider, etc) they have door poppers.

That is only one specific company. It was the first that came up on google search.

I had a friend with shaved handles on his mustang and all he did was push a button and out popped the doors about 4 inches.

It's not to hard to install them, and probably much easier than a motor.

 

You can add the actuator so once the hatch is released the actuator would raise and lower it. Getting it to latch back may be tricky. This site has linear actuators which look very similar to the one which was on my 07 Expy.

Buy Linear Actuators, Electric Linear Actuators, DC Linear Actuators - Electric Linear : Miniature Linear Actuators : DC Actuators : ProgressiveAutomations.com

 

Sorry for the delayed response. I got busy with things, and didn't even see it.

This is a great suggestion. Thanks for the link...I'll check it out!

 

I was thinking the door popper was a good idea. That alone would be enough to get things started. As it is, everyone in the family thinks the rear hatch is still locked. If it popped open..that would make it easy.