How To Install Tailgate Damper

[TDImark]

It should make a soft gurgling noise. If it’s loud that may be a good question for DeeZee.

Thanks for the info. I watched the install video at the beginning of this thread and on full volume I did hear a very similar noise. I think mine is a little uglier than the soft - and almost pleasant - sound other lift struts make. At least the ones I've heard before. But, hey, it does work.

Sponsored

 

[quangdog]

I did a quick recording of what mine sounds like for you. Hope this is helpful!

 

[TDImark]

I did a quick recording of what mine sounds like for you. Hope this is helpful!

Awesome! And thank you. Yup. That's what mine sounds like. Lol! I won't worry about early failure anymore. Thanks again. ?

 

[JimH]

I've noticed that when my tailgate is down, the cable on the side with the dampner is slightly loose, not tight like the other one. Seems the dampner needs to be slightly longer. Anybody else have this ??

 

[Deleted member 1634]

I've noticed that when my tailgate is down, the cable on the side with the dampner is slightly loose, not tight like the other one. Seems the dampner needs to be slightly longer. Anybody else have this ??

Mine is actually the opposite. The damper side is taught and the pax side is slack. I think it's just part of the tolerances of the tailgate, attach points, and cables.

 

[Big Blue]

I've noticed that when my tailgate is down, the cable on the side with the dampner is slightly loose, not tight like the other one. Seems the dampner needs to be slightly longer. Anybody else have this ??

Heck mine is like that without the damper.

Oops! cats out now! Better order mine quick.??

 

[JimH]

Thanks for the replies Big Blue and the1mrb - guess I won't worry about it...

 

[lanceriley]

my pickup came with a tailgate assist. found at the hinge part... do i still need these dampers?

 

[Tim H.]

my pickup came with a tailgate assist. found at the hinge part... do i still need these dampers?

Yes! It’s mandatory to be a member on this forum! ?

 

[FoD]

To help with economic recovery, you can pay someone to lower your tailgate for you ( usually by laying in bed of truck until needed). You may need the optional bookend, someone to raise it back up.,

I think it'll get marketed as the "Tailgate Doorman".

This, as an option to the damdamdamper

 

[Whiskeybilt]

I hate myself for asking this question, but one of my gripes is how easily the tailgate comes off. Happens accidentally pretty often and I'm terrified of driving with it down. Will these prevent that?

Can I block DZscorpion from seeing this post? lol

 

[P. A. Schilke]

I hate myself for asking this question, but one of my gripes is how easily the tailgate comes off. Happens accidentally pretty often and I'm terrified of driving with it down. Will these prevent that?

Can I block DZscorpion from seeing this post? lol

Hi Jamison,

What you need is the tailgate lock bracket from McGard, but yes the damper will slow down anyone trying to seal the tailgate but the lock will do a better job. As for being down, the tailgate is pretty rigid. It only pulls loose on the right side at about a 45° angle otherwise up or down it is locked in place. Hope this makes sense..

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[Tim H.]

Hi Jamison,

What you need is the tailgate lock bracket from McGard, but yes the damper will slow down anyone trying to seal the tailgate but the lock will do a better job. As for being down, the tailgate is pretty rigid. It only pulls loose on the right side at about a 45° angle otherwise up or down it is locked in place. Hope this makes sense..

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

Coincidentally I just finished installing the McGard lock this morning. It was a little wonky holding the tailgate while holding the bracket and placing the hinge back in its socket. I could have used a second person to hold the tailgate. All‘s well that ends well!

 

[DevilDog1775]

Tailgate dampers seem to be a pretty polarizing topic around here, but if you do decide you want one they are really inexpensive and incredibly easy to install. Just make sure you have a Torx T50 driver on hand to do the job. Here's a short video I made demonstrating how to install the DZ43206 from DeeZee (which is the exact same part Ford will sell you at a markup if you order the kit from them):

Great video. However, you left out the part where you first light the candles and ask for the guidance and gift from the Damper God to grace your tailgate with gravity defying abilities. Happy Monday!

 

[AzScorpion]

I hate myself for asking this question, but one of my gripes is how easily the tailgate comes off. Happens accidentally pretty often and I'm terrified of driving with it down. Will these prevent that?

Can I block DZscorpion from seeing this post? lol

Not a chance! When it comes to tailgate damper posts I see everything. ?

I've never had the tailgate try and come loose before adding the damper. Adding one will keep it in place and it shouldn't come off. Now you'll have to break down and buy one just for this reason alone. ?

Sponsored