Tailgate Damper

I just purchased a 2023 Tacoma with the tailgate Damper. I need to remove the tailgate to install some lights between the bumper and tailgate. How do I deal with the damper? Thanks, Terry.

 

you don't need to - the tailgate just pops off and then you quick-disconnect the wires

 

The damper is in the hinge, not the gate, so you just remove it.

 

do you have a picture of the dampener ?

 

He would prefer being addressed as Jeff, but ok.

 

Looks like a spring in there.

 

That's just a plastic bushing (wear item with limited life, by the way).

The tailgate damper sits on the other side of the tailgate sill, visible only with the bumper removed:

 

So do I just remove tailgate as usual and the dampener will stay in place and still work? Mine does not have the little thing that looks like a shock absorber.

 

Yep. The OEM damper is a rotary device. Just be sure to unplug the camera wires.

 

Ok. Thanks!!

 

did you read the manual?

 

I did,but after you reminded me!.But was concerned about the dampener. Apparently it is a non issue. Thanks for the reminder.