Right, On my Escos, I have never been able to open the boot since owning it, When i first got it someone ripped the spoilers off the back
And i had them replaced, However dont think the struts are cosssie ones as it will not support the weight of the boot and they have no effect of lifting. i am a small built woman and have huge problems with opening the boot.

I would like to fix this, so are the struts the same as normal escort? or are there "BEEFY" cossie ones?? or will other model ones fit on that will give the tailgate some lift?