Tailgate Assist On An '09 Anyone?

My Redline Hood struts took a few revolutions to break in. At first, the chambers didn't assist until it was further up. After about 10-15 open shuts, they really started working like they should.

Glad it worked for you and your wife.

 

mine is the same and the safety cable gets stuck on the right side of control arm. the pinching has ripped the rubber around the safety cable. my solution to the problem was to wrap a sh1t ton of duct tape around the cable. the duct tape pushes the cable away from the "pinching spot" and closes properly. after two days, the duct tape is already starting to warp and is going to be at best a very temporary solution.

when i open my tailgate now it opens fast for about 1/3 of the way. the rest of the way opens ever so annoyingly slow. it probably takes about 20-30 seconds for the remainder to open.

 

I'm installing the EZ 43601 this morning...it was easy following the photo instructions. (I couldn't believe it, I was 2 easy steps from finishing the install) However, when I got to the size 40 torx bolt on the tailgate, (it's on tight), that I managed to strip the bolt (40 torx became zero torx). I know I'll have to replace this bolt but I could use some ideas on how to remove it first. I'm stuck. Thanks.

 

First make sure it was the bolt head stripped and not the torx tool.

Put a punch inside the bolt and give it a few whacks. Might break it loose.

Maybe try an impact driver like this: Try using one of the larger Phillips bit. Set it on reverse and whack it with a hammer. Another idea is to get a sharp chisel and get a bite in the outside edge and see if the bolt will budge. Or use one of the little cutting wheels in a Dremel tool and cut a slot for a flat blade screwdriver. Salty swearing while doing the above will also assist in the bolt removal.

Last resort is to drill it out and remove it with an EZ out. I say last resort because if the EZ out breaks you are screwed.

 

I read somewhere that the torx bolts on the tailgate for '09+ are tack-welded. Mine wouldn't budge at all.

 

The bolts on my '09 came out with no problem. Maybe depends on the plant where there were built. Mine came from the Freemont CA plant.

 

Hey Rickocet

Nice job keepin' an eye on an old thread
Just read in the Dee Zee Group Buy thread,
You and Joe B removed the Dee Zee EZ Down almost 2 years ago
Any update on that or have you found a better product?
I was interested in Redline Tuning's EZ Down,
But doesn't fit newer than 2007 if I recall.
Think that was due to Tailgate reinforcement upgrade,
which decreased the space needed for the EZ Down
I'd still like something like either of them

CC

 

All the 2nd gen. beds are made in Baja Calif., Mexico, regardless of final truck assembly location. You probably just have the earlier design. Was your truck built in late 2008 or in 2009?

 

KenLyns

If that's the Belly of the Beast in your sig,
I'd love to meet the Beast

CC

 

I subscribe to all threads I participate in and get emails when someone replies on an old one. I still have the EZ Down kit but have not reinstalled it. I miss how it lowers the tailgate but my wife has limited arm strength and has difficulty raising it since you are fighting against the cylinder.

 

I bought my '09 in October '08.

 

bought EZ down at checkers for $21.00, had modify the brackets that comes with it a little bit and add replaced some screws... result was awesome....