rpeterson53
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2019
- Threads
- 4
- Messages
- 80
- Reaction score
- 105
- Location
- Richland, WA
- Vehicle(s)
- 2019 Ranger Lariat, 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF, 2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R
- Thread starter
- #1
I purchased from Amazon the tailgate damper kit intended for the international version of the Ford Ranger with the understanding it would not bolt on to my 2019 Ranger. With a few simple modifications, I installed the kit as shown below.
The fitting that attaches to the tailgate that came in the kit is for the left side. I had to do some minor filing to get it to mate properly at the forward bolt as shown. I determined the location of the upper attach point ensuring that the tailgate load is carried by the cables and not the gas spring. With the tailgate down and my weight on it, I ensured that the gas spring was not bottomed out, i.e., not under a tensile load.
For the upper attachment, I cut down the threads of the included fitting to a length of .125 inches. Using a .125 thickness steel cad plated strap I had in my shop, I drilled a tapped a hole in the strap to screw the modified fitting into. The fitting does not screw into the bed sidewall and it only has to carry the weight of the aluminum tailgater as it opens. It is important that the gas spring be parallel to the tailgate and bed opening for best operation. I did drill one small hole at the bottom of the strap into the truck bed for installation of a stainless sheetmetal screw to better secure the strap to my satisfaction. On assembly, all areas were sprayed with Fluid Film for corrosion protection. I positioned the tailgate cable to the outside of the gas spring body and found no interference when opening and closing the tailgate. The kit comes with some small springs to use from a fitting on the upper tailgate bolt location to secure the cable but I found it not necessary. There are several YouTube videos that show the kit install on the international Rangers that this kit is intended for.
The kit from Amazon came with 2 sets of gas springs so i have a spare if needed. It works great and I am quite pleased with how it came out. Almost looks factory.....
The fitting that attaches to the tailgate that came in the kit is for the left side. I had to do some minor filing to get it to mate properly at the forward bolt as shown. I determined the location of the upper attach point ensuring that the tailgate load is carried by the cables and not the gas spring. With the tailgate down and my weight on it, I ensured that the gas spring was not bottomed out, i.e., not under a tensile load.
For the upper attachment, I cut down the threads of the included fitting to a length of .125 inches. Using a .125 thickness steel cad plated strap I had in my shop, I drilled a tapped a hole in the strap to screw the modified fitting into. The fitting does not screw into the bed sidewall and it only has to carry the weight of the aluminum tailgater as it opens. It is important that the gas spring be parallel to the tailgate and bed opening for best operation. I did drill one small hole at the bottom of the strap into the truck bed for installation of a stainless sheetmetal screw to better secure the strap to my satisfaction. On assembly, all areas were sprayed with Fluid Film for corrosion protection. I positioned the tailgate cable to the outside of the gas spring body and found no interference when opening and closing the tailgate. The kit comes with some small springs to use from a fitting on the upper tailgate bolt location to secure the cable but I found it not necessary. There are several YouTube videos that show the kit install on the international Rangers that this kit is intended for.
The kit from Amazon came with 2 sets of gas springs so i have a spare if needed. It works great and I am quite pleased with how it came out. Almost looks factory.....
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