question about aftermarket tail gate damper
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 999
Likes: 6
question about aftermarket tail gate damper
i saw a shock absorber looking device that mounts to the tailgate and the truck bed to soften the lowering of the tailgate.
has anyone used one of these, do they help, do they make it harder to close it?
also do they make one that not only softens the opening but assists in the closing?
seems like i usually have something in my hands when opening or colsing tailgate and would be nice to have some help
thanks
has anyone used one of these, do they help, do they make it harder to close it?
also do they make one that not only softens the opening but assists in the closing?
seems like i usually have something in my hands when opening or colsing tailgate and would be nice to have some help
thanks
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon, SK, CA
I have the EZ Down tailgate dampener and it works great. My wife can open the tailgate without dropping it. About $50 shipped from ebay. They do not restrict closing the tailgate - it closes just as fast as it would without it but does not make it easier to lift, for that you would need one that provides spring tension. I've seen ones that assist in closing, just a spring steel rod that inserts in the bottom of the tailgate. Never saw the need for closing it as my hands are usually empty or I just come back and close it.
The '08 tailgate is assisted both ways, I think. Someone else here would know.
The '08 tailgate is assisted both ways, I think. Someone else here would know.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 56
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The 08's have a torsion bar set up to help with closing the tailgate. It makes the tailgate feel about 15-20 pounds instead of 50 pounds. The torsion bar does not dampen the gate on opening, it will still slam open.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 191
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I bought this torsion rod from Amazon. Installation was a little bit of a hassle but works great thus far. Provides assistance both opening and closing the tailgate.
http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-EASYLI.../dp/B000CMHVJO
http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-EASYLI.../dp/B000CMHVJO
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 79
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From: SE PA
I was also looking into this add on but have a question for those of you who put it on. Do you have to be careful about how much weight you put on the assist side of the tail gate when it is down? I often load quite a bit on the gate and suspect that the assist mechanism isnt as strong as the braided steel rope. I dont see a rating or restriction on the package but would hate to ruin $60. Thoughts?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 473
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From: Flagstaff, AZ
No, this won't affect how much you can put on your tailgate. You don't remove the steel cable that is already there, just add the little "shock" thingy. It works really well, you pop open the tailgate and can just let it go.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Peoria, IL
Originally Posted by PeteC
I bought this torsion rod from Amazon. Installation was a little bit of a hassle but works great thus far. Provides assistance both opening and closing the tailgate.
www.amazon.com/Hopkins-EASYLIFT-Tailgate-Easylift/dp/B000CMHVJO
www.amazon.com/Hopkins-EASYLIFT-Tailgate-Easylift/dp/B000CMHVJO
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 473
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From: Flagstaff, AZ
It is raining cats/dogs today.. if it lightens up I can take some pics when I get home from work. I can't see it interfering with anything though. There is a little piece of rubber mounted to the side of the tailgate that you take off, then the rest just bolts right up.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,737
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From: Republic of Texas
I have the same stuff as you, as well as the damper. No worries. You do have to drill an extra hole for the electric lock accuator wire, as the damper uses the stock hole. I will take a pic or two later today and post them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Republic of Texas
Here they are . . .
Here are two pic's, they are also in my gallery. Note the Line of Fire light bar is not effected in any way.
Other side:
Here the torsion bar setup pic from the website. Looks like it would effect the Line of Fire light bar if it was installed.
Other side:
Here the torsion bar setup pic from the website. Looks like it would effect the Line of Fire light bar if it was installed.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 191
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I need to learn how to post a picture.
But until then, the picture on the Amazon site shows it pretty well. The "torsion bar" is basically a round rod several feet long that is bent in a few places. You drill a hole in the left side of the bed body a few inches up from the tailgate hinge, and another hole in the bottom of the tailgate a few feet from the side. You need two people to install the rod: one to hold the tailgate and one to work the rod into the holes.
It is a very simple setup, and provides spring tension when you lower the tailgate and also tension to help raise the tailgate. So far I have been very happy with it.
But until then, the picture on the Amazon site shows it pretty well. The "torsion bar" is basically a round rod several feet long that is bent in a few places. You drill a hole in the left side of the bed body a few inches up from the tailgate hinge, and another hole in the bottom of the tailgate a few feet from the side. You need two people to install the rod: one to hold the tailgate and one to work the rod into the holes.
It is a very simple setup, and provides spring tension when you lower the tailgate and also tension to help raise the tailgate. So far I have been very happy with it.
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