DZ43200 Tailgate Assist fits 04-14 Ford F150 & Lincoln Mark LT

Put this on the tailgate of my 2009 F150. Keeps the tailgate from dropping down. Easy installation and works great. A must for all tailgates

As a truck owner who frequently uses the tailgate, the DZ43200 Tailgate Assist has been a game-changer. After installing it on my 2018 Ford F-150, I immediately noticed the difference in ease and safety when lowering the tailgate. Here’s a breakdown of my experience with this product: Installation: The installation process was straightforward and took about 15 minutes with basic tools. The kit includes clear instructions, and the parts are well-made, fitting perfectly onto the tailgate. No drilling was required, which was a huge plus. The only tricky part was aligning the dampener properly, but with a bit of patience, it was manageable. If you’re somewhat handy, you should have no problem installing it on your own. Functionality: The DZ43200 works exactly as advertised. It significantly slows down the tailgate as it opens, preventing it from slamming down. This is especially useful when my hands are full, and I need to open the tailgate with one hand. The operation is smooth, and the tailgate now opens at a controlled pace every time. I no longer worry about the tailgate dropping too quickly, which could be a safety hazard or cause damage over time. Durability: After using it for several months, the Tailgate Assist shows no signs of wear. The materials used seem to be of high quality, and the dampener still works as well as it did on day one. I’ve driven in various weather conditions, including rain and snow, and it has held up perfectly, with no rust or degradation in performance. Pros: • Easy installation with no drilling required. • Smooth, controlled operation of the tailgate. • Durable construction that withstands different weather conditions. • Affordable price for the value it adds to your vehicle. Cons: • Slight alignment challenge during installation, but nothing too difficult. Final Thoughts: The DZ43200 Tailgate Assist is a small investment that pays off in a big way. It enhances safety, protects your tailgate, and adds a touch of convenience that you’ll appreciate every time you use it. If you regularly use your truck’s tailgate, this product is a must-have. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable tailgate assist solution.

Just installed on our 2014 Ford F-150 I'd ordered one of these that was an "open box" return, but Amazon didn't check the parts list. Someone had tried to install so the nutsert and nutsert tool were missing. Returned that one and ordered a new factory sealed one. Installed easily, with two minor issues. 1 - As mentioned in some other reviews I needed to turn the Nutsert tool nut many more turns than the 9 - 11 that were mentioned in the instructions on in a video on line. After turning the initial 9 turns the post threads did NOT even reach the threaded part of the Nutsert, and the Nusert was a bit loose. So I reinstalled the Nusert tool in the Nutsert and carefully continued tightening until the Nutsert was firmly held. Tested with the post and the threaded part just caught the threads in the Nusert. So again put the Nutsert tool back in and carefully tighted a couple more turns. Now the post securely screws into the Nutsert. So unscrewed it, applied the thread lock and installed the post. 2 - Removing the tailgate cable mounting nut from the truck was impossible with the provided Torx wrench. I was able to use a pair of vice grips to break it free and get it loosened to the point where the supplied Torx wrench would finish the job. If I had a better Torx wrench I would have used that, but if you are careful the Vice Grip method will work. After installing the plate with the upper post I was able to use the supplied Torx wrench to tighten the tailgate cable nut. For good measure I put some thread lock on the threads before re-installing the screw. So far the Tailgate Assist is working great. I installed this to make it easier for my wife when she is driving the truck and needs to open the tailgate. It works as advertised. We will see how it holds up over time. I would recommend this item if you want to prevent the tailgate dropping like a rock when you open it.

Excellent product. Arrived an hour ago and already installed. 15 Minute installation including the time to read the instructions and grab the necessary tools which were exactly one ten-millimeter wrench and one Allen head t-handle. Once installed works exactly as described. Great Product..!!

This product seems to have either good ratings or bad ratings. I will start my rating with 4-stars. Mine arrived today and outside of looking for tools, it took all of 15 minutes to install. First, my opinion: having installed it in less time than looking for the tools and the fact that I don't have to exert myself or anyone else in the family to support the tailgate, I'll have to say I love this product. However, reading all the reviews, it may or may not be long before my experience has changed. Specifics on the kit as it arrives: the packaging is nice and everything is contained in a blister pack. Everything really is self-explanatory. Seriously, if anyone can't figure this product out, even without the instructions, probably should bother. It really is THAT simple. It was also nice that the manufacturer was nice enough to include a T50 torx wrench to release the cable bolt. They also included thread-lock, something that not everyone will have on hand. Tools... As stated above, it was nice to find a T50 wrench in the kit. However, it is even less than useless. It slips and there is NO way anyone could use this... At all. Luckily, I had a T50 socket which I used with a ratchet. Now, my T50 socket had the same fit "loose"' so it's probably not the quality of the included wrench. However, the included wrench will NOT provide enough forward pressure to loosen the bolt, so it is still less than useless. You will need some of your own tools, such as an Allen or t-handle (size may vary depending on the kit, maybe), an open-ended wrench (again size may vary), and a small ruler, caliper or some sort of measuring instrument. I don't think the ruler is necessary at all if you ask me. Installation: easy. The instructions actually make it more difficult than it actually needs to be, so, this install is even easier than I mentioned above. The toughest part is just understanding how threaded inserts work. The bolt and nut that is included is a crude threaded-rivet "gun", without the extra expense. So if you have a threaded-rivet gun, the job is even easier still. I decided to do it per the instructions for warranty reasons. So anyway, all you need to do is get the sides to cinch up against the inside of the tailgate to create friction to prevent the nut from spinning. Too loose and it will eventually start spinning over time and with constant vibration. Too tight and you'll weaken the nut as well as the threads. Once this is installed, remove the bolt, nut and 3-piece bearing and replace it with the ball-end bolt. Once that is done and the top-plate installed (self-explanatory), just pop on the shock absorber. Pop-pop and you're done. Operation: once you release the tailgate, it takes about 5 seconds for the shock to fully lower the tailgate. This may be the point of failure that most people are reporting. Think about it, a tailgate weights probably 50-60lb. We won't feel this weight, maybe 20-30lb, since it is anchored. However, the shock may feel much more since it is connected very close to the pivot - laws of leverage, you know. Let's say the shock feels 100lb while you enjoy NOT supporting 30lb. This stress may be a lot for a little shock absorber. I'll keep an eye on it. Fit: I think it is unfair that some reviewers are putting blame on the product or manufacturer for proper fit, when it Amazon has bad information on fit. Probably a way to make this product better is to have a shock installed on both sides, so they share the load. If one fails, the other will assist with anti-slamming. Of course, this would probably double the price of the product. So, for now (7/31/2015), it's working great! I'll update this review if anything happens unexpectedly. If everything is still working as it should, this review will remain quiet.

Easy to install and works good.

Should have put this on years ago. Was fairly easy to install and with them providing the star wrench to take the tailgate bolt out really helps. The difference this makes after installation is great! Installation tips from my experience: Had to use a "breaker bar" with the star wrench, cause that bolt was in tight. I just had a short piece of small diameter pipe, put it over the end of the wrench and turned very slowly and bolt came lose easily. Could probably even use some PVC pipe, hollow tent pole, etc. Anything that helps give a little bit leverage. And when reinstalling this bolt, I used some anti (or never) seize on the threads. I didn't have a good wrench to put the other bolt on (the tailgate) as it states to make 9 complete rotations (I think I was able to go 6 or 7), but I did have a torque wrench, so being able to torque to the recommended ft*lb is what I feel is the perfect solution.

Works great. Installation is pretty easy to follow. There are a bunch of YouTube videos if you need help with installation. Will require a 10mm wrench, 13mm wrench, and a 5mm hex key/allen wrench (none are provided in the pack).