tailgate assist
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 769
Likes: 156
tailgate assist
Looked through old threads but want to start something more recent.
My tailgate is extremely heavy when trying to lower. I've read where the tailgate lift assist torsion rod may need to be replaced.
However wouldn't it be easier to just use an tailgate assist support like this one?
Stabilus 5Z-439569
My tailgate is extremely heavy when trying to lower. I've read where the tailgate lift assist torsion rod may need to be replaced.
However wouldn't it be easier to just use an tailgate assist support like this one?
Stabilus 5Z-439569
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,823
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From: Dallas Metroplex
I use one of these, only mine has the round ball on the end, and not a loop like the one you linked. I actually like the looped version better, as the ball on mine occasionally releases and the tailgate unexpectedly drops full-weight and speed. I've started watching out for that whenever I open the tailgate, now.
Shop around for better prices, however. The one you link to is on the higher end of the price spectrum (for what it does, which is a simple gas strut).
Shop around for better prices, however. The one you link to is on the higher end of the price spectrum (for what it does, which is a simple gas strut).
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 146
Likes: 21
Here is one that I use. It only helps with lowering tailgate, not lifting. Its a great product, very controlled drop. had it for 3 yrs on my old truck, still working just fine when I sold it.
https://a.co/d/5EJ3K20
https://a.co/d/5EJ3K20
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
I have used the same as Gotsmoke on three other trucks and I would go with the dee zee as a proven one.
My current came with the factory assist. But if it ever started to get weak I would throw this on there right away.
My current came with the factory assist. But if it ever started to get weak I would throw this on there right away.
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 31,962
Likes: 9,194
From: Western NY
Here is one that I use. It only helps with lowering tailgate, not lifting. Its a great product, very controlled drop. had it for 3 yrs on my old truck, still working just fine when I sold it.
https://a.co/d/5EJ3K20
https://a.co/d/5EJ3K20
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 146
Likes: 21
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1,823
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From: Dallas Metroplex
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Laughing Gas
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Dallas Metroplex
I don't think that would be wise, as it's likely that the tailgate wouldn't drop, as the tailgate isn't heavy enough to allow it to drop slowly (it would just pop open and never drop).
In any case, I believe the latch is on the right, IIRC, and a support on that side would interfere.
In any case, I believe the latch is on the right, IIRC, and a support on that side would interfere.
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Western NY
This is the one I purchased. If it gets to the point where it regularly pops off the post I'll replace it with one that has the loop design. I'm not too impressed with the holding power of the ball and cup.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MZX9LFC
Note the price.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MZX9LFC
Note the price.
This one from Orion is the one for the 2011 to 2016 Super Dutys. But it says it won't fit my 2016 but it lists in the heading it's for the that year though.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2022
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From: Dallas Metroplex
Anyway, there are plenty of alternatives out there for all models.
FTE Legend
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Western NY
The OP didn't specify a MY, so just shared mine (as I have a '20). Not really sure why there is that much of a difference between years, seems like a strut is a strut (unless there's no provision for a mounting hole, or different hole location?).
Anyway, there are plenty of alternatives out there for all models.
Anyway, there are plenty of alternatives out there for all models.
As to the difference between the aluminum trucks and the steel, I have zero idea. I got the kind of luck that if I ordered one for the newer years, it wouldn't work because I have that kind of luck... but I see your point though...
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
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Likes: 156
The OP didn't specify a MY, so just shared mine (as I have a '20). Not really sure why there is that much of a difference between years, seems like a strut is a strut (unless there's no provision for a mounting hole, or different hole location?).
Anyway, there are plenty of alternatives out there for all models.
Anyway, there are plenty of alternatives out there for all models.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 769
Likes: 156
Just to follow up I did install the
and it works great. Easy to install.
Had to adjust the tenstion of the opening handle.
Had to adjust the tenstion of the opening handle.
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