Thanks guys. Sounds like a bit of an imperfect solution. I'd really like to lighten the tailgate going down, but i think I'll hold off.

 

I haven't read through the whole thread, but i have the DeeZee unit on my 04 f350 and since i've had it (over 6 months at least now) it's been great! no issues whatsoever. doesn't bind up or bend, get stuck, nothing.

 

What are the ramifications of removing the drivers side rubber bumper for the shock? It's there for a reason I guess. I tried moving the tailgate side to side to see if it aided with alignment when you close the gate, but I couldn't get the tailgate to move side to side at all. That's the only requirement keeping me from installing one of these.

Thanks

 

I couldn't tell yo what the rubber bumper really does. On my Super Duty it's been off for over 50,000 miles and all is good.

 

First thing I did when I got my truck a few years ago was put one of these on. Rubber bumper removed and have had no issues since.

I do get a lot of double takes when I pop the latch and let go as the gate slowly drops open

 

Thanks guys. I just ordered it. I need one handed lowering. More worried about the nursery bolt thing bending. But as long as the tailgate isn't damaged I'm good. Can't wait.

 

My Super Duty had the built in tailgate step & handle which made it heavy. I had no issues with any part of the tailgate assist. My only dislike was I felt my tailgate dropped faster than it should. It drops slow enough you can let the gate drop with out issue. It's a nice addition to the truck.

 

I have the step too. It is heavy. Looking forward to being able to open it with one hand.

 

Another thing I did not see mentioned is that for me all I need to do is pop the latch with a finger or two and it drops open without using your hand or arm. So basically if you are carrying or holding something with both hands, the tailgate can be opened without putting the item down. Obviously it depends on what you are holding (had to throw this in or someone would say something...LOL).

 

Installed on on my '06. Rod end popped off the ball on the gate end every time I opened the gate, unless I lowered it slowly and carefully. Was going to call the manufacturer, but before I could it jammed once and snapped the rod. Into the trash it went. Not sure why I had such a bad experience, others seem to have much better luck than I did!

 

That is weird. Hmm...Was any damage caused to the tailgate?

 

Nope. It just would pop off the ball right at the end of travel. Everything looked lined up right. Then one time when I went to close the tailgate the now-loose rod got jammed somehow and snapped the end off. Might have been a defective piston assembly? I just got tired of screwing with it.

 

DeeZee has very good customer service. They probably would have worked through the problem with you or sent you a new unit.

 

Just to chime in - My tailgate has the step and stripper pole as well. I've had the DeeZee for the better part of a year with no issues. I considered getting another for the passenger side of the gate because it does drop faster than I really want. However, it's not so fast I've felt a need to add a second device. It doesn't make any noise when I let it drop.
BTW, when I installed the DeeZee, I thought I knew more about my truck than some accessory manufacturer located who-knows-where and decided to leave the rubber bumper in place. I could shut the tail gate with it in place, but it was obvious everything didn't fit together very well. I haven't missed that rubber bumper one bit.

 

Yeah, I'm not blaming them for not replacing it as I never got around to giving them a chance, lol. It as on my list of calls to make, it just never made it to the top...