Tailgate Assist?

Has anybody modified a certain tailgate assist to fit a 2003 or know of a place that sells assists specifically for that model year? I can't find a thing online. Everything online seems to be 05+. Why the hate on first gens?

 

Sorry about the photos, that was for a different post.

 

For 2005...might work...Im not guaranteeing it though...

http://puretacoma.com/exterior-c-377/ezdown-tailgate-opening-for-tacoma-20052014-p-4730.html

 

I'm wondering what the differences are from first gens and second gens in terms of tailgates. I guess I could just buy one and mod if needed.

 

Yeah I dont know...only thing I would see is a prob if it didnt have the mounting bolt in the right spot or maybe not enough room for the strut to fit in between the tailgate and bed? It may fit though...

 

I'll have to take a look at my tailgate and maybe look at a picture of someone's 05 assist.

 

wait.... the way that lift support is mounted, it will actually force the tailgate open. making it harder to close. is this what you want?

 

Beware, the EZ Down tailgate assist doesn't work all that well on 2nd gens - it pinches the cable.

 

Basically my tailgate slams open unless I bring it down slowly. I have read about people having to mod their assist because it was eating their cables, and I want to avoid that. So a mod is probably necessary unless they have one specifically for an '03. I have just seen the assist on my old boss' ram and it was really nice. I think it would be a nice addition to any truck as long as it doesn't mess with the cables.

 

No, definitely not. I have seen them in action and it slowly opens the tailgate, although it is a little tougher to close than it is without one.

 

oh ok. so a very low PSI that would only slow down movement, gotcha. here, I can advise you on what to get to do it custom to our first gens.

 

Alright then. If I end up purchasing one for an '05+ and have problems I will definitely post. Although an assist is almost last on my list of upgrades I figured it would be a simple and easy one to do in between. I was just curious if anyone had an 03 with an assist.

 

method 1. this is a very crude on the spot drawing.

consider the pic that was linked earlier for example. ill modify it to give a better idea. buy 2

$31 StrongArm 12" Extended Length 3 Hole Bracket Universal Lift Support; Part #SA3100

"L" brackets, 1 pair of

$11 StrongArm SA3001, 13mm Ball Stud Kit Universal Lift Support

stud mounts, and 2

Snugtop Parts.com 711632 Snugtop 13 mm Triangle Bracket, Each

straight support brackets. then go find the shortest, weakest lift supports you can find.

you place the mounts in such a way that when the tailgate is fully open, the support stops just short of fully open. and place the mounts again in such a way that when closed, the support does not fully close.

youll end up placing the tailgate mount closer to the hinge, and the body mount above the hinge. but that's really all you have to do. unless you want to try the 2nd gen setup. your choice.

 

They are basically like a hatch on a topper or a rear door on a minivan....

I think if the mounting hole you typically put the "assist" strut is in the right spot and you have enough clearance it should work...but maybe thats the difference in the 03 to 05?

 

I'm gonna give this design a shot .purchased all the stuff so we will see. Wish me luck

 

I'm not seeing the point. The tailgates on these things don't exactly weight a ton.

 

Post pictures! I want to see how it works out.

 

I have a mob town tailgate reinforcement installed an it make the tailgate a lot heavier. It would be great to have something that will work on the 2nd gens

 

he probably doesn't like how it still slams slightly even when you let it down slowly.

 

Well golly gee, maybe you should trade your TRUCK for a hatchback, and some of them newfangled ones you just stick your foot under the bumper and shaazam!