Tailgate dampener
FTE Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 1,050
From: Florida
Thanks for the video. I did this mod a few weeks ago and love it. The bottom bolt was a pain since it is not threaded as you mention. I did use the bolt to thread it but I did it from the back side to make the threads and then removed it and then install it on the front side. It was much easier for me to use a socket to thread the bolt hole.
I also didn't completely remove my tailgate. I set up a table at the bumper height, padded it with blanket. I pulled the right side out and dropped the tailgate resting on the blanketed table. That way I didn't have to disconnect wiring and my wife and I, both 70 years old with bad shoulders, installed the damper in 30 minutes.
I bought a $14 torx kit on Amazon.
FTE Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 1,050
From: Florida
One more note. When you install the new hinge make sure your align it exactly like the one that was removed. Use the paint outline on the side to match it up. If not the tailgate won't close properly as I found out. 
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 385
Likes: 2
From: North Florida
I got this done last week along with a bed cover and front bug deflector. Of the three this was the easiest and most functional IMO.
I did notice the first time I tightened down the new hinge, it wasn't in the same position as the original hinge so changed it until it was. It works great. I am still bracing every time we open the tailgate though - may take a while lol.
I did notice the first time I tightened down the new hinge, it wasn't in the same position as the original hinge so changed it until it was. It works great. I am still bracing every time we open the tailgate though - may take a while lol.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 628
Likes: 12
From: Madison WI
Same issue here. I couldn't get it to thread so I ran it through the back side to cut the threads then unscrewed it and it installed no problem from the front side.
I also didn't completely remove my tailgate. I set up a table at the bumper height, padded it with blanket. I pulled the right side out and dropped the tailgate resting on the blanketed table. That way I didn't have to disconnect wiring and my wife and I, both 70 years old with bad shoulders, installed the damper in 30 minutes.
I bought a $14 torx kit on Amazon.
I also didn't completely remove my tailgate. I set up a table at the bumper height, padded it with blanket. I pulled the right side out and dropped the tailgate resting on the blanketed table. That way I didn't have to disconnect wiring and my wife and I, both 70 years old with bad shoulders, installed the damper in 30 minutes.
I bought a $14 torx kit on Amazon.
For the tailgate, I used a sawhorse for backup just in case, but laid a soft blanket on the sawhorse and across the bumper on the right side. Leaving the left side support cable in place (and the tailgate in the hinge), disconnecting the right side support cable, I lifted the tailgate out of the right side hinge, and lowered it gently to the open position onto the blanket. It never touched the sawhorse. From there I could replace that right hinge. Easy-peazy, one man job. My wife was impressed with the tailgate that lowers ever so gently now...
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 634
Likes: 2
Turns out Lariat and up trims have this standard...I didn't know that and pre-bought the kit directly from Ford parts before my Lariat Ultimate truck came yesterday. $50 bucks shipped to a U.S. address, just PM me if you have an XL or XLT. I know this isn't the classifieds section, but the information learned in regards to the trim levels, and if yours comes with the damper or not, I thought was valuable and is all in context.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
Turns out Lariat and up trims have this standard...I didn't know that and pre-bought the kit directly from Ford parts before my Lariat Ultimate truck came yesterday. $50 bucks shipped to a U.S. address, just PM me if you have an XL or XLT. I know this isn't the classifieds section, but the information learned in regards to the trim levels, and if yours comes with the damper or not, I thought was valuable and is all in context.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
I just set my tailgate on two saw horses with a blanket over em. Just un did the passenger side then set it down o. The blanket. Took maybe 20mins to install, super easy to diy.
My Tundra came with the dampener, I never knew I would miss it that much until I didn't have it anymore!
My Tundra came with the dampener, I never knew I would miss it that much until I didn't have it anymore!
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
I've done this mod on 2 F-150s and the new F-350. Works great. Don't remember if the video mentioned the grease, but I just re-use the hinge grease from the old hinge for the new one. On all three there was a lot of grease from the factory to re-use.
