how the heck did u do that? did you cut a hole? I tried doing that maybe my 2011 is different than yours.

 

I was able to duct tape an open end wrench onto a skinny, somewhat flexible fiberglass snow/driveway marker, and slip it down through the opening for the latch mechanism. I held the nut in the wrench with a tiny amount of tape, and carefully suspended it behind the hole, and then threaded in the post that came with the shock. As the lock nut started to get snug it swung the wrench against the tailgate panel, providing the resistance so I could tighten the post. Then a small wise left and the wrench lifted just enough off the panel (resistance gone), so I could pull the whole assembly out of the hole.

Hard to explain...my tailgate did have access holes in the main part of the tailgate, but I couldn't get to it as easily as through the latch. I do believe I unbolted the latch a bit to provide just a little bit more room.

 

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Blast from the past but hopefully this is still relevant. I bought this shock several years ago and liked the way it attached and the functionality of it. I never had issue until my truck was stolen and they took the gate with the shock on it. Now, I'm wanting to replace the shock and gate hardware since I like the old one and I still have the stud mounted to the truck. But, I've ordered this same kit number off Amazon. It showed the same number and same hardware as in the pic in the link. But when it arrived it was totally different so it went back. I ordered one from O'Reilly and the same thing. Didn't buy it. So today I ordered one from CARid that shows the same part number and is exactly the same as in the link. I'm guessing it will show up and be incorrect too. So my question is, has anyone bought one of these recently that is the same as the one in the link? If not, what did you get and how do you like it?

 

Maybe this is the right one?

Or you could try your luck with some of the knock-off ones on Amazon for half the price. Search same part number.

 

Been all over ebay, Amazon and Google. I had O'Reilly order the Dee Zee model you listed but it wasn't the same as the one I had. Also, it mounted differently and didn't seem as stout as the one I'm looking for. But, if all else fails and I can't find one like I had, I'll probably just go with the Dee Zee and be done with it.

 

I installed 2 on my 13’ 6.2L and just had to use a unibit to open up the right side hole a bit more for the blind nutsert to fit. I have the cheap eBay ones works for me and 2 makes it just that much more sturdy coming down.

 

Has anyone used the OEM one that installs behind the tail light?

 

Never seen a factory one on a 99-16 truck. Just seen the aftermarket ones.