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I just installed the deezee it’s okay but it’s tight in there and it may rub the paint they even give you a sticker to prevent it, but it just wears through. Plus you will need to remove it before you pull the gate. I kind of wish I would of bought the oem stuff. But I won’t be bothered to change it at this point
I had the DeeZee on my F150 for 5 years before this truck. It worked great. Only issue I had was the nutsert getting loose which was probably my fault. I ended up tapping my tailgate and screwing it right in. Also had the plate that mounts on the truck itself fail but DeeZee was quick to send parts to replace the broken ones.
One is visible one is not if that matters to you. I had Deezee before on my last truck and loved it. I am a sucker for buying OEM when I can though so I went with the Ford one.
First thing I did after I rec'd my Lariat was install the Ford OE Damper kit. I like the fact that the damper is hidden within the bed sidewall. Works great.
Instead of using the Taptite (trilobular thread rolling) ball fastener supplied in kit to make the threads in the lower damper attachment point [difficult to get straight access with socket to drive the thread rolling fastener] I tapped the nut-plate first then added Loctite to the ball fastener and screwed it in like a normal bolt. Much easier.
I went with the factory OEM dampener also. I read reviews that stated the Deezee can damage your tailgate cable considering they store in the same spot. The factory OEM is hidden in the sidewall
You would want to pick up some paint and clear coat or send it off to a body shop to match your truck. The part is painted black. I picked up 2 cans from a local auto shop and did it myself.
I installed the deezee in my 2008 (steel tailgate with a step ) only change I made was to move the hole for the expanding threaded insert (google it or you tube) I was very pleased with it making a dangerous tailgate drop for my wife to open to very safe.
Now I have an aluminum tailgate without the step, If I do put a damper in it will be the ford OEM one but I am not sure I need it on this truck . Will let my wife decide.