Tail gate shocks

[Shadrach]

Has any here used one of those devices to allow the tailgate to open slowly? Like a shock or torsion spring? Shadrach

 

[Wertles]

Genos has two options for you. The E-Z down tailgate Damper for 93-09 trucks that run 39. 95 and they have the Gateglide II tailgate assist for 94-11 trucks that runs for 89. 00. Look under exterior accessories then under tailgate and truck bed to find them. I'd post the links but I'm not that coordinated on the I phone yet. I have no experience with either of these products.

 

[HOBrian]

torsion spring? Shadrach

I have the torsion bar and love it! I can raise and lower the tailgate with two fingers!!!

 

[ENafziger]

I have the torsion bar and love it! I can raise and lower the tailgate with two fingers!!!<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Agree... I have the torsion spring one as well. For my case, it's the only one that would work without interfering with the side boxes, rack, etc. IMO, it's the cleanest, simplest, most effective solution out there!

--Eric

 

[richardcoxid]

I bought my Tail Gate Assist torsion bar from-



Plug It Right



Easy two finger operation up/down.



Excellent product, easy to install, requires drilling two holes (5/16”?), one in LR stake pocket upright and one in the bottom of the tailgate (remember to measure TWICE and drill ONCE!).



An added anti-theft benefit is that after installation it almost requires 2 people to remove the tail gate, one to remove the tail gate and one to hold the torsion bar.



I have NO financial or other interest in Plug-it Right other than they had the products that I was looking for and their great service.



Let us know what you decide to do!



May you have fair wind and following seas!

 

[Shadrach]

That's one of the devices I was looking at. It's a lot cheaper that the 2 way shock that Geno's carries GATEGLIDE II - TAILGATE ASSIST ('94-'11)-Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories – Geno’s Garage Anyone using this type ? Shadrach

 

[JMarketos]

I have what I believe is the EZ-down - small shock-type unit that mounts on left side of tailgate and hooks in where the cable strap is. The unit works well to prevent the tailgate from slamming down. I don't recall how much (if at all) it helps with lightening the closing of the tailgate. One minor associated PITA: You have to remember to tuck the left side cable strap inside the shock unit when closing, otherwise the cable becomes wedged on the edge of the tail light on next open. I didn't go with one of the torsion devices initially because (if I understand them correctly) they contain a portion that runs up one side of the truck bed for some distance ? If I was doing it again (and I might... ), I'd be inclined to consider those units more...

 

[crispyboy]

I put the EZ Down shock on last week. I have only used the tailgate a few times.
Pro:
It works as described - just open the tailgate, step away and let it do it's thing.

Con:
The tailgate cable seems to get caught on the shock absorber once in awhile. This may be an adjustment issue.

Recommendation - the jury is still out but the wife loves it!

 

[Prairie Dog]

I used the EZ down too and it works great. It's been on there since last year and I haven't had any issues like Crispyboy had.

 

[OBayer]

I had the EZ down on for about 6 months, worked well on the way down but the darn cable kept getting caught between the gate and taillight (2008 model) even tried various tie wrap scenarios to keep it clear but I finally gave up and removed it before it damaged the light or the paint.

 

[07 ThunderRoad]

I had the EZ down on my 2003 and moved it to my 2007. It works great. The problem the other folks are having with the cable can be solved by tie rapping a 2" long soft foam to the cable, a minimum of 4" down from the cable mount at the bed. This prevents the cable from getting stuck in the tail light / EZ down shock gap. My EZ down came with this foam.

 

[Hercules130]

my first EZ down worked great. it siezed a few months ago, made for an interesting time getting my tailgate dow, Rock auto has replacements for $20. It was exactly the same but i had nothing but problems with it. The stud wouldnt fit in the tailgate hole but after the cable broke a chunk out of my taillight, it had to go.

 

[mpaulson]

In our climate up here, I would wonder about the durability of the shock typewhen cold and the funtionabillity when -30/-40. I have the the one that Geno's used to sell that is a cable and a tube mounted along the box rail with a spring in it to lighten up the tail gate. doesn't look like they sell it anymore, but I'm onto about 3 years now and no problems yet. They only complaint would be if you touch the cable, you get a nasty black greasy film on you that requires a fair bit of scrubbing to get off. Once you have some sort of gate assist, you end up dropping other peoples tailgates when you open them because you just unlatch it then let go!

I think I will buy the "Plugitright" style next time around since it is totally out of the way and cheap and shouldn't be effected by weather.

 

[Shadrach]

...

I think I will buy the "Plugitright" style next time around since it is totally out of the way and cheap and shouldn't be effected by weather.

That's one of the ones I was actually thinking about. Do you know of anyone up here who sells it? Something that bulky could be costly shipping. Shadrach

 

[R.Taylor]

I've had EZ down unit's on my old rig as well as my current one. If you follow the directions to the T and place the foam bumper in the correct position you will not have any cable issues.

 

[richardcoxid]

I can’t remember how much the freight was however, I don’t remember that it was much.



Remember the torsion bar is about 5/16 inch in diameter and about 33” by 6”. It came attached to a piece of cardboard about 7” by 36” and about 5/16" thick. It probably weighed less than a pound. The installation instructions etc. was printed on the cardboard.

 

[Dutch & Di]

Shadrach, it's not as costly as you might think. I pm'd you some pricing. Diana

That's one of the ones I was actually thinking about. Do you know of anyone up here who sells it? Something that bulky could be costly shipping. Shadrach

 

[Superglide]

I've had the easy down for about two years now with no problems at all.

 

[PatrickMarshall]

I just installed the bar from Plug It Right. Works as described. And now the wife doesn't have to struggle to let the tailgate down, or up.



Their shipping is super fast and in this day of online vendors with slow order processing and vacant customer service, they are at the top of the game!