Best F150 Tailgate Shock Install and Review

This small accessory is the best f150 tailgate shock for your truck, and one of our favorite f150 upgrades. As the name suggests, it helps in lowering the tailgate in more safely without any abrupt jerk. Tailgates are by no means a light component of any truck and they cause a loud bang when opened without a functioning assist mechanism. Moreover, a malfunctioning or an absent tail lift & drop mechanism can also either cause damage to the hinges or an injury.

Thus, a tailgate assist has become a crucial component of any truck because of its functionality and the sophisticated touch it provides to any truck. The majority of new trucks are fitted with a tailgate assist from the factory, but it wasn’t the same case for older ones. Aftermarket tailgate struts are therefore the best bet for any previous generation truck and to replace a worn-out assist on any truck. 

Our top use cases that make this so great are

• Lowering the gate with  heavy loads such as dirt or lumber. 
• Preventing the tailgate from slamming dow
• Allowing easier 1 handed operation

Dee Zee is a simple kit that comes with everything you need including paint protection for some of the areas where rubbing could occur with the new equipment. Dee Zee has been building these longer than anyone else and is a solid recommended  solution.

For more info visit the manufacturer’s website

• SHOCK 1 BALL MOUNT PLATE (installs on bed)
• 1 BLIND NUT TOOL
• 1 BALL MOUNT (installs on tailgate)
• 1 BLIND NUT/NUTSERT
• 1 TORX WRENCH
• 1 MYLAR (Paint protector)

Tools Needed

• T-50 TORX (included in kit)
• M5 ALLEN WRENCH
• 10MM WRENCH
• 13MM WRENCH/SOCKET

Using a M5 Allen wrench and a 10mm wrench, install the blind nut in the opening by the tailgate pivot point. The nutsert should be tightened at least nine 360 degree turns. Mark one side of the nut and count the number of revolutions to insure the correct number of turns. After the nine turns, if the blind nut can still be moved or rotates, continue tightening an additional 1 – 2 turns. Re-check blind nut, repeat as needed.

WARNING: Getting the blind nut or “rivnut” right is not joke, it easy to overtightened and strip the threads and cause the nut insert to be unusable.

Install the ball mount into the nutsert using a 13mm wrench/socket. Torque to 8 ft-lbs with 13mm socket.

Note: Using a torque wrench to install the ball mount will also insure that the blind nut has been completely installed.

Use a T50 torx socket or the wrench provided to remove the cable bolt. Remove the tailgate cable from the bolt.

Then install the ball mount with the factory tore head cable bolt.

A Mylar sheet has been provided to help prevent components from rubbing against the truck bed and tailgate in the event that any part becomes loose. Using scissors, cut the mylar to the size needed. Apply the mylar to the truck bed and tailgate where tailgate assist components will be in close proximity during opening/closing. The red lines show the area where the mylar has been installed.