Tailgate drop assist device

[PTsideshow]

Having finally upgraded my truck from a 98 1500, to a 16, 4x4 2500 TDR. I was surprised by the size and weight of the tailgate not to mention the stock height of the truck. I read about the tailgate drop assist. I ordered a DEEZEE brand off Amazon.
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This one goes on the drivers side. It takes advantage of an already opening in the tailgate.
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They supply a jam nut to mount in the hole. I will say that it is a real PIA to install due to it being under sized and the hole is oval. It took about 45 minutes to get it in. and Numerous different things to get it to work. They have a couple of suggestions buried at the bottom of the instructions. I already had it tightened by the time I found them. So I don't know if they will work the masking tape seem doubtful.
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The rest of the install wasn't bad. I can't address any of the other brands install. What i can say is that it was worth the effort as you open the gate and slowly let it lower itself.

 

[Dfriz]

I have ONE it works great !

 

[SMcGrady]

I thought there was some sort of torsion bar assist on these 2016 tailgates already? Am I mistaken, or is it there, but just not effective?

 

[NazarethMarine]

I don't know what I did wrong with my installation. If I am not careful the cable folds outside the tailgate. Otherwise I love it and makes life with your hands full much easier.

 

[PTsideshow]

I don't know what I did wrong with my installation. If I am not careful the cable folds outside the tailgate. Otherwise I love it and makes life with your hands full much easier.

Did you place that hunk of plastic at the proper distance on the cable, as I understand that can cause problems with the cable if not in the correct position.

 

[terb]

Did you place that hunk of plastic at the proper distance on the cable, as I understand that can cause problems with the cable if not in the correct position.

If you look at his pictures you can see the hunk of plastic...........

 

[terb]

Having finally upgraded my truck from a 98 1500, to a 16, 4x4 2500 TDR. I was surprised by the size and weight of the tailgate not to mention the stock height of the truck. I read about the tailgate drop assist. I ordered a DEEZEE brand off Amazon.
#ad

This one goes on the drivers side. It takes advantage of an already opening in the tailgate.
#ad

They supply a jam nut to mount in the hole. I will say that it is a real PIA to install due to it being under sized and the hole is oval. It took about 45 minutes to get it in. and Numerous different things to get it to work. They have a couple of suggestions buried at the bottom of the instructions. I already had it tightened by the time I found them. So I don't know if they will work the masking tape seem doubtful.
#ad

The rest of the install wasn't bad. I can't address any of the other brands install. What i can say is that it was worth the effort as you open the gate and slowly let it lower itself.

The easiest way to install the riv nut is with a Astro 1427 Hand Rivet Nut tool or something similar.
I did not have the tool so after many try's to get it installed I put the nut into a vice grabbing it at the bottom and compressed the nut some with the supplied tool. I then removed the tool and than used vice to straighten the nut back to original shape, that help to give it a soft spot to help it bend easier when trying to install it inside the tailgate. I messed with mine for 30 minutes before doing the vice trick. After compressing and straightening it, it went in first try................

 

[PTsideshow]

The easiest way to install the riv nut is with a Astro 1427 Hand Rivet Nut tool or something similar.
I did not have the tool so after many try's to get it installed I put the nut into a vice grabbing it at the bottom and compressed the nut some with the supplied tool. I then removed the tool and than used vice to straighten the nut back to original shape, that help to give it a soft spot to help it bend easier when trying to install it inside the tailgate. I messed with mine for 30 minutes before doing the vice trick. After compressing and straightening it, it went in first try.

Vise grips and a vise did basiclly the same as you did only I let it be expanded a little. and used a heavy blade scraper to hold the nut in place as I tightened it and then readjusted the sbolt and nut till it was tight. My tool and extra nuts ere a different dia and thread size.

 

[PTsideshow]

I thought there was some sort of torsion bar assist on these 2016 tailgates already? Am I mistaken, or is it there, but just not effective?

It doesn't seem to help much in closing the gate,

 

[Dfriz]

Did you place that hunk of plastic at the proper distance on the cable, as I understand that can cause problems with the cable if not in the correct position.

I didn't use the plastic and mine works just fine

 

[crispyboy]

i have been using the DeeZee drop assist for about 5 years now. The first one went about 6 months and the hardware for fastening to the tailgate went south. I bought another and it has been fine ever since. Also I put some electrical tape around the plastic piece for the cable so it doesn't fall off.
These only help with opening the tailgate and not letting it slam. Many folks have commented on liking this feature.
There is no assistance for closing - just arm strength.

 

[josephc1]

I just got mine in the mail from Amazon today, going to install in a few days when time permits.

 

[josephc1]

I installed mine this morning. Less than 30 min install time, works great. That is one great piece of equipment, hope it will last

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I get the purpose of this part, but does it take a long time for the tailgate to drop.......? Like watching' the grass grow?

 

[josephc1]

It takes a few seconds, it's a much softer opening. Does not change the effort it takes to close the tail gate

 

[PTsideshow]

It is a regulated steady drop with a sft stop not a bang or clunk link in the old days. The gas shock is set for the weight I don't think it takes much more than a few seconds to open all the way. I really like it since you can open the lacth and let go no more human assistance needed!