Damper Mods

[CJ74]

Many years ago I had a 1990 f150 xlt with manual trans, 302, 4x2, long bed. If anything need a damper that tailgate did, it was heavy. If you wasn't paying attention it would pull you down with it. lol

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[THLONE]

Who are the wimpiest truck owners? Ford, Chevy, or Dodge.

 

[TBR17]

Who are the wimpiest truck owners? Ford, Chevy, or Dodge.

Based upon this portfolio of brands I'm going with Ram (Dodge).

 

[Tom_C]

OK, here is my damper mod. I tried to build up a little 'ramp' using caulk for the cable to slide down, but after about 6 layers it still didn't work, the cable just hung up on the lip of the bracket. So, I gave it a huge bead of caulk, and it works. It's difficult to see since I used white caulk and the truck is white, so hope you get the idea.

The idea is the cable needs to be trained to go the right of the damper, and then it needs to not get stuck on the damper mounting bracket.

And, yes, it looks like hell, because of so many layers and trying to smooth it out with my finger, but hey, deal with it.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

OK, here is my damper mod. I tried to build up a little 'ramp' using caulk for the cable to slide down, but after about 6 layers it still didn't work, the cable just hung up on the lip of the bracket. So, I gave it a huge bead of caulk, and it works. It's difficult to see since I used white caulk and the truck is white, so hope you get the idea.

The idea is the cable needs to be trained to go the right of the damper, and then it needs to not get stuck on the damper mounting bracket.

And, yes, it looks like hell, because of so many layers and trying to smooth it out with my finger, but hey, deal with it.

Full marks for ingenuity. I didn’t notice at all that it looked like a bad icing job on a cake. ? Here’s a small trick of the trade - dip your finger in liquid dish soap before smoothing silicone caulk - it won’t stick to your finger and it stays where you want it to. ? Also, you can still add a bit more caulk and try out the soap technique.

 

[FoD]

OK, here is my damper mod. I tried to build up a little 'ramp' using caulk for the cable to slide down, but after about 6 layers it still didn't work, the cable just hung up on the lip of the bracket. So, I gave it a huge bead of caulk, and it works. It's difficult to see since I used white caulk and the truck is white, so hope you get the idea.

The idea is the cable needs to be trained to go the right of the damper, and then it needs to not get stuck on the damper mounting bracket.

And, yes, it looks like hell, because of so many layers and trying to smooth it out with my finger, but hey, deal with it.
...

Full marks for ingenuity. I didn’t notice at all that it looked like a bad icing job on a cake. ? Here’s a small trick of the trade - dip your finger in liquid dish soap before smoothing silicone caulk - it won’t stick to your finger and it stays where you want it to. ? Also, you can still add a bit more caulk and try out the soap technique.

I have kind of followed this development since it showed up and never really felt one way or the other. All I did (based on Dave's (@AzScorpion ) building a Rube Goldberg device to manually move tailgate cable while opening tailgate and activating damper and using boiling water to drive the sailboat across the bed full of water to...) was to pull my cable to the right twice. After that, never had to bother again.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I have kind of followed this development since it showed up and never really felt one way or the other. All I did (based on Dave's (@AzScorpion ) building a Rube Goldberg device to manually move tailgate cable while opening tailgate and activating damper and using boiling water to drive the sailboat across the bed full of water to...) was to pull my cable to the right twice. After that, never had to bother again.

Terry, you lost me at Sailboat. Actually, at Rube Goldberg. ?

 

[Tom_C]

Full marks for ingenuity. I didn’t notice at all that it looked like a bad icing job on a cake. ? Here’s a small trick of the trade - dip your finger in liquid dish soap before smoothing silicone caulk - it won’t stick to your finger and it stays where you want it to. ? Also, you can still add a bit more caulk and try out the soap technique.

Thanks for that. I may do another coat to clean it up a bit, just because I'm anal. I will try your trick of wet fingers or possibly with a bit of soap, thanks for that.

 

[FoD]

Terry, you lost me at Sailboat. Actually, at Rube Goldberg. ?

Basically, an obtuse yet ingenious mechanical design/function to accomplish a simple task....

 

[Tom_C]

man, some of you guys with your determination to fix a faulty designed damper.
why has no one gone to the BBB?
why has no one gone to DZ upper management to complain in this faulty design??
where are all the DZ service reps to meet with customers and come to solutions???
why has no one traded it in and gone to a competitor????
whats the warranty / return policy for this obviously poorly designed damper ?????

some of us cant accept Ford delivering a vehicle with a missing tie down or two and demand Crucifixion and burning at the stake....yet its not a big deal that this damper install is one of the worst ever. If there is a GOAT for failing, then DZ wins it.

I've never understood your (or others) hate of the damper. Do I think it's a clumsy fix, of course I do. But I mean, I like it, I bought it, and I'm trying to offer one solution to the obvious shortcomings. I do try to stay out of the 'damper rage' threads because I guess it's all good natured. Whatever.

 

[Texasota]

Basically, an obtuse yet ingenious mechanical design/function to accomplish a simple task....

I think that’s also called a damper.

 

[FoD]

I think that’s also called a damper.

Ahhhh, the weakening moments of true recognition of value. Resistance truly is futile...in this case

 

[Msfitoy]

OK, here is my damper mod. I tried to build up a little 'ramp' using caulk for the cable to slide down, but after about 6 layers it still didn't work, the cable just hung up on the lip of the bracket. So, I gave it a huge bead of caulk, and it works. It's difficult to see since I used white caulk and the truck is white, so hope you get the idea.

The idea is the cable needs to be trained to go the right of the damper, and then it needs to not get stuck on the damper mounting bracket.

And, yes, it looks like hell, because of so many layers and trying to smooth it out with my finger, but hey, deal with it.

Have you tried the velcro mod? It's a lot simpler, takes literally 10 seconds and 100% effective at keeping the cable from getting bound...anal's fun but this is less painful... ?

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I hope this hasn’t already been pointed out but it looks like Jack (@OFC Ranger ) takes the big prize for damper mods!

 

[JeffWoodall]

Not sure if this was already asked but cold weather performance of the damper has taken a nose dive, it takes 2x as long to drop the tailgate. has anyone installed a damper heater?

I purchased the px95S flame thrower for that issue. I haven't had to use it, but it's under the seat and ready to go should I need it.

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