DZ43300 Tailgate Assist Fits 02-08 RAM 1500 and 03-09 RAM 2500/3500

The media could not be loaded. Installed on a 2004 Dodge Ram SLT, crew cab, 5.7 ltr Hemi. Easy installation if you have a nice Torx ratchet and some bolt lubricant. I wouldn’t want to attempt to remove a 20 year old tailgate bolt with the tiny tool they provided. The size you will need is a T45. I removed the limiting washer as advised, but I did not install the plastic cable spacer. It works fine without it. It seemed like it might do damage if I did put it on. I installed a little felt pad on the upper ball of the piston to prevent any scratching on the side of the tailgate. The clearance of the piston is less than an eighth of an inch. To my amazement, it works like a charm. The hardest part for me was putting in the nutsert. At first, I didn’t tighten it enough and the ball mount didn’t seem long enough. I could not thread it into the hole. I thought it was over. The trick was to adjust the tool they provided so it pulled the threads in the nutsert out far enough for the ball mount threads to reach. I was nervous about over tightening it. It is a great upgrade for my truck for very little money, very happy so far. I hope it lasts. YouTube instructional videos help.

Simple to follow instructions. Good fit cylinder does rub a little at the top. I did notice before installing that the gap on tailgate was not even being tighter on the drivers side. Overall would definately buy again. Works great

I am surprised at the reviews with cracked tail lights.. after installing this on my truck (06 Ram 2500) I don't even see how that is possible (maybe not following instructions?). This is very well designed and worked flawlessly on my truck. I drive a newer tacoma for work and love the tailgate assist on it. My last truck (2017 f-150) didn't have it, but those trucks are made of aluminum (body) so the tailgate isn't that heavy. The tailgate on the Ram might as well be made out of cast iron.. it's heavy as hell, so the assist shock was a must. It was very straightforward and easy to install. It integrates perfectly without having to modify anything, and it works perfect! The only negative is that the blind nut tool they give you is absolute garbage. It works, but the plastic spacer (I don't know why this is included) just gets smashed and in the way long before the blind nut tightens. Just take the spacer out, you don't need it. Or better yet, use a better blind nut tool, pretty sure it's 1/4-20. All in all, this kit is fantastic, I would recommend to anyone with a 3rd gen Ram. Couldn't be happier with the end result.

I am a very mechanically inclined person - I do all my own mechanical work. This was a little strange to install. The insert "nut" that goes on the truck tailgate did not work as it was supposed to. The directions say to set the insert nut tool to 3/4", then tighten 9 full turns (you'll understand what I'm talking about if you buy it - too hard to explain). I did as the directions said, and the nut that goes into the tailgate just flopped around. I re-tightened it about 20 turns until it seemed to snug up in the truck, and then the threads on the ball wouldn't start in the threads on the nut. I re-tightened it again, this time until it was very snug - probably more like 30-50 turns, and that held fine.Next, when installing the upper ball joint, the spring steel? clips on the ball socket on the strut simple bent out instead of springing back. I had to remove the "spring" steel, bend it closer together, and then re-install. That seemed to work ok, but I'm not sure how long that soft steel will hold the strut onto the ball.Now that it's installed, I do like it. It does rub a little on the tailgate inside, but not enough to worry about. It is nice to unlatch the tailgate and just let it fall, and after installation I really do like it. I just can't give it 5 stars because of the installation. If you are not mechanically inclined, find someone else to install it for you - it was not easy....NOTE: Your truck may be different. I installed this on a 2010 Ram 1500. My tailgate has a somewhat "oval" hole where it looks like from the pictures in the instructions that other trucks may have a round hole that the "nut" installs into. If the hole was round, it may have been easier to set the nut. If it's like mine, you just have to go by feel - 9 turns won't get it, but too tight will ruin the insert nut - and I have no idea how you would ever remove it if you ruined it!!

The media could not be loaded. I loved the damper I put on my 2014 Ram and wanted one for my 99 Ram 2500. There aren't any dampers made specifically for my truck but this damper had almost everything I needed with pretty decent reviews.I drilled my own holes for the two ballstuds. I added two washers on top to keep the damper from hitting the tailgate chain. I also ran to the hardware store to buy a 7/16-14 coarse threaded nylon nut to put on the backside of the top ballstud that I could access by removing my taillight. Pretty simple install if you have a few tools.The damper in my 14 has been working great for 4 years. It's just now starting to get a tiny bit of surface rust on the ends.

The media could not be loaded. This product comes with clear instructions written in English. Installation is straightforward and the assistworks smoothly. Decent quality and I would recommend.