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.

 

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.

 

What trim levels does this come standard? I've seen Lariat videos of a button on the dash releases the tailgate and it opens down smooth.

 

Love the **** music in the background haha.

Great vid, has some good production value. You just got me to buy one, missed that feature from my 2011 Tundra. Thanks for sharing!

 

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.

 

Well done.
Thanks for putting this up.

 

I used the above method for tapping the threads on the bottom pin. Worked great, thanks!

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...

 

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.

 

You have PM

 

Reg lariat doesn't have it. only Lariat Ultimate and up. I have lariat supercab. Ford doesn't allow Ultimate package on supercab so I couldn't get this option.
But I did add it on myself.

 

Just did it. That tail gate is big and awkward when doing this alone. Maybe I should not have removed the entire gate? Oh well, all done and didn't drop it lol

 

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!

 

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.

 

I just ordered mine off amazon.

Thank you for the video. This is to neat of an add on to not do.