DEE ZEE DZ43301 Truck Tailgate Assist

It's easy to install with plenty of videos on YouTube for vehicle specific installation I had no problem with mine everything works good and it works just like a truck that had the assist from the factory

works great - easy to install and price is good

The Dee Zee DZ43301 Tailgate Assist is one of those simple add-ons that makes a huge difference in everyday use. Installation was fast and straightforward—no drilling, no weird adjustments, and the improved nutsert with thread lock is ready right out of the box. Once installed, the tailgate drops in a smooth, controlled motion with just one hand. No more sudden slam or worrying about the weight, and it really takes the stress off the cables and hinges. It feels solid, well-made, and built to handle regular use for years. For the price, this is an excellent upgrade that adds convenience and protects the truck at the same time. If you own a compatible Ram, this is absolutely worth it.

The tailgate assist itself works well...once you get it installed. The directions are reasonable well written and have good photos, and there are several helpful videos on YouTube if you search around. The problem is that specialty tools provided in the kit are junk. Fortunately, there are some easy workarounds. First, the T45 Torx tool that comes with the kit is made out melted-down soup cans and will likely bend or strip if your bolts are even remotely tight. Do yourself a favor and buy a T45 socket bit for your ratchet. You can get them on Amazon, or at any hardware or auto supply store for a few bucks. Second, the "nutsert tool" that comes in the kit doesn't work well. This seems to be the source of most peoples' frustration with this kit. The problem is that there's too much play between the allen bolt and the washers/bearings, so when you try to turn the nut, the washers and bearings get out of alignment and bind causing the whole thing to turn together rather than pull on the threaded insert. Here's the fix: Set up the nutsert tool with the head 3/4" from the first washer as per the instructions. Remove the washers and bearings. Wrap about 5-6 turns of electrical tape around the bolt threads just below the nut where the washers will go. Put the washers and bearings back on the bolt, and trim the extra tape flush with the second washer using a razor or utility knife. This creates a bushing between the bolt and the washers/bearings so they stay aligned and turn smoothly without binding. You're welcome. Install took about an hour, although 45 minutes of that was messing with the nutsert tool and figuring out a solution. Overall, it's a nice upgrade for not too much money.

Easy to install and works amazingly. Would say more but short and simple works amazingly and definitely would buy for your truck

Fast, free shipping with PRIME, Works as described. Easy to install using a few basic hand tools. READ, READ, READ the directions first! If not you'll get to step 3 and go UHHHHM how many turns was that??? The manufacturer has easy to follow instructions, it would be a better if they made a caution, note or warning at step 2 so you don't miss the importance of tightening in step 3. The precise measurement of 3/4" and counting the full amount of turns on the blind nut fastener tool is critical to fitment. Some have complained of rubbing; get the tightening right or you'll either get a lot of rubbing on the bed frame or not get the blind nut tightened enough. I have installed this shock absorber before this on another Ram truck tailgate. I am very familiar with this process. Counting the full turns 9-10 (ideal) when installing the blind fastener the ball stud will fit snugly and provide clearance for the shock absorber. The cable clamp is very crucial. If not placed 3-1/2 " from the top of the cable or the shock and cable will most definitely rub on the bed frame during operation and vibration during driving. The manufacturer has provided a strip of 3M vinyl film to aid in the rubbing of the shock and bed frame. The photo in the instructions of the vinyl covering location may not be the same as your vehicle, depending on the year. My recommendation is to cut into several strips that could better fit like a jigsaw puzzle on the uneven surfaces of the bed frame. The vinyl will protect the paint should the shock absorber rub on the bed frame during open/closing operations or vibration from road driving. I would recommend this to anyone who operates the tailgate with one hand (no free hands like when carrying a heavy load). The product lasted more than three years on my first vehicle (still works to my knowledge) and now installed on my 2nd vehicle.

This fits my 2021 RAM 2500 Tradesman perfectly! I almost returned this because it said it is only good for RAM models up to 2019. I feel like maybe their packaging didn't get updated. It took me 35 minutes to install. The next one I install should take 15 minutes. This works outstanding and is the best and least expensive upgrade you can do to your truck! I also installed a tailgate ladder and had concerns the added weight would impact the tailgate assist. It does not. An additional 13lbs on the tailgate and the assist still works just as designed. I also had concerns removing the noise dampener/rubber bushing would cause rattling or a loose tailgate seal. That is not the case. The device allows the tailgate to still close tightly as designed. Install tips: 1. I needed to tap the mounting pin into the tailgate with a hammer. 2 light taps and it went in perfectly. 2. Don't bother bending the limiter like the directions say. Use the provided torqx wrench to remove the cable screw and then remove the limiter with a pair of needle nose players. This can be seen in some videos online. 3. Don't mess with the adhesive mylar sheet. It is infuriating and the only part of the kit that is substandard. Impossible to remove the backing from the adhesive sheet and super thin. I honestly don't think this will be needed for most trucks. I will monitor for wear on the paint and if I see some I will replace with clear vinyl.

Install went perfectly, way better due to having brackets with the pivot point rather than on the bolt like others. Tailgate drops at a reasonable speed not being super slow. Would recommend red thread sealant on bolts to prevent them backing out.