EZ Down tailgate assist
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 639
Likes: 1
From: K.C. MO
Mine is fast but you are right...it does not allow the tailgate to slam down. In fact, it is fun to non-chalantly open around someone (with a little tailgate experience) and carelessly let it drop only to see them lurch for it to prevent it from slamming and then show them how it works. I could sell them one at this point because everyone who sees it wants one and wonders why such a simple thing is not standard on all trucks.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, TX
Mine is just like the video in post #121 (except my tailgate has a loud squeak to it - need to fix that now).
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, TX
Mine was $19 also (reg price was $59). That squeak wasn't there before, but it isn't coming from the new hardware either. Must have something to do with coming down so slowly.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
I just went to O'Reilly's and picked up one for a 1998-2006 F250,F350 #SG304901EZ. The lower bracket looks like the one in the picture above. If you don't want to wait for DeZee it took 10 minutes with a rasp file to modify this one to work. All you do is oblong the mounting hole in the lower bracket. It fits and works without taking off the bumper.
Last edited by Double-Trouble; May 27, 2011 at 08:33 PM. Reason: Wrong part #
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
I just went to O'Reilly's and picked up one for a 1998-2006 F250,F350 #SG3040901EZ. The lower bracket looks like the one in the picture above. If you don't want to wait for DeZee it took 10 minutes with a rasp file to modify this one to work. All you do is oblong the mounting hole in the lower bracket. It fits and works without taking off the bumper.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
I have the $40 Amazon.com marginally performing version on the bench in the garage. If anyone wants it, let me know. It's yours for the asking and free shipping too! lol. It's better than nothing.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 188
Darn I got the newer style that mounts to a plate with a ball on top and thin shock. I ordered it from OReilly's for $19.99. I may just send it back and wait for a revamp. I really could have used the older style I lost the ss clip for the tailgate cable and this would have kept that on as well.
Double Trouble seems to have come up with a solution that is to use a 2006 version which is part number #SG3040901EZ where the one I got was part number #SG3040902EZ.
Also O'Reilly's doesn't seem to have EZ Down on their website. Can't find it like I did when I ordered one last week. I was going to order one for an 06 like Double Trouble did.
Double Trouble seems to have come up with a solution that is to use a 2006 version which is part number #SG3040901EZ where the one I got was part number #SG3040902EZ.
Also O'Reilly's doesn't seem to have EZ Down on their website. Can't find it like I did when I ordered one last week. I was going to order one for an 06 like Double Trouble did.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Darn I got the newer style. I ordered it from OReilly's for $19.99. I may just send it back and wait for a revamp. I really could have used the older style I lost the ss clip for the tailgate cable and this would have kept that on as well.
Can we order one of a different number that will work? How about one for an 2008?
If anyone sees one let me know I'll send them a paypal payment.
Can we order one of a different number that will work? How about one for an 2008?
If anyone sees one let me know I'll send them a paypal payment.
1998-2006 F250,F350 #SG304901EZ works with a few minute modification and is redily available with the big shock.
Last edited by Double-Trouble; May 27, 2011 at 08:34 PM. Reason: wrong part#
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 188
If you google your part number nothing comes up anywere but google SG304901EZ and there is lot's of sites. O'Reillys still have the best priceing now.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 1
From: WY
Well, I went back to O'rielly's armed with the knowledge that the 1998-2006 F250,F350 #SG3040901EZ would fit my truck. O'rielly's had one left. It is now on my truck! Thanks guys for the persistence on this thread. I didn't elongate the bolt hole like a couple of you did, however. What I did was use my chop saw and notched out the radius that kept the bracket from fitting flush against the side of the tailgate. It worked perfectly.
One other thing I noticed is that the little safety clip that holds the upper end of the cylinder onto the cable bolt has a propensity to work itself loose, and if it does, that would allow the cylinder to unhook itself from the cable bolt. Thus causing possible damage to the paint job and the ez down.
I placed a small zip tie around the safety clip to keep it in place. The damper works like a dream. Didn't have to remove the rbbb either. 
Will post pics for a small nominal fee.
Need to get different camera. POS won't focus. Everything's blurry.
One other thing I noticed is that the little safety clip that holds the upper end of the cylinder onto the cable bolt has a propensity to work itself loose, and if it does, that would allow the cylinder to unhook itself from the cable bolt. Thus causing possible damage to the paint job and the ez down.
I placed a small zip tie around the safety clip to keep it in place. The damper works like a dream. Didn't have to remove the rbbb either. Will post pics for a small nominal fee.
Need to get different camera. POS won't focus. Everything's blurry.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Indian Trail, NC
I just picked up one of each from the O'Reilly's store near me. My dad has a 2002 SD so the "good" one is for his truck. Going to install mine tomorrow and see how it does. If i don't like it, I will take it back and get the older version for my truck. Oh...and they were $19.99 each.