Cool Automotive Products and Tool Recommendations > Truck Accessories > Install A Tailgate Assist Shock for Smooth Drops: How to Guide

Install A Tailgate Assist Shock for Smooth Drops: How to Guide

A tailgate assist shock prevents wear and damage to your tailgate by dropping the tailgate smoothly

Just like the gas lifts on an SUV or hatchback, adding a tailgate assist shock kit to your tailgate provides for a smooth drop and helps assist lifting the tailgate back in place.

NOTICE: I have not been paid by OrionMotorTech for this posting and I don’t receive any commission from the links in this post. I just think they make good stuff at a reasonable price

Aftermarket tailgate assist kits install in additional to the cable

You don’t remove the factory safety cable when installing an assist kit. You simply bolt the kit into existing holes shown in the package directions. Here’s a downloadable example from OrionMotorTech.

Kit quality varies among sellers so look for these features

The quality of the gas strut matters. You want one with:

• Double oil sealing — prevent oil leakage and longer life
• Reinforced steel cylinder with electrophoratic coating— prevents deformation and corrosion
• Protective cover — keeps dirt off the polished piston rod. Dirt on the piston rod is what wears out the piston seals.
• Riveted mounting plate — welded mounting plates crack and break due to the countless drop/lift cycles

Tailgate Assist Shock Kit cost

Kits start in the $20 range and go up to almost $100. In my opinion, you’re not really getting a better kit if you spend $100; you’re just enriching the middlemen and rewarding the marketing wizards that make you think you had to spend $100.

Tailgate shock kits from OrionMotorTech

The tailgate assist kits from OrionMotorTech have all the features listed above. You can buy direct from the manufacturer here or on amazon.

Shock kits for FORD from OrionMotorTech

Kit for 1997-2003 F150 and 1999-2016 Ford Super Duty

Easy Handling – Allows smooth and safe tailgate lowering even with arms full. Also acts as a lift to make closing easier.
Broad Compatibility – Specifically designed for 1997-2003 Ford F-150, 1999-2016 F-250/F-350, and 2010-2016 F-450 models.
Durable Build – Constructed from 45# electroplated steel for outstanding strength and corrosion resistance.
Material: 45# Steel
Color: Black
Compatible Truck Models: 1997-2003 Ford F150, 1999-2016 Ford F250 & F350 Super Duty, 2010-2016 F450 Super Duty
Compressed Length: 7.6 in. (19.3 cm)
Extended Length: 11.6 in. (29.5 cm)

orionmotortech tailgate assist kit for 1997 thru 2003 F150

Click on the image for direct link to the OrionMotorTech page for this product. Buy it here for $27

Kit for Truck 2004-2014 Ford F-150 & 2006-2014 Lincoln Mark LTs

Easy Handling – Allows smooth and safe tailgate lowering even with arms full. Also acts as a lift to make closing easier.
Broad Compatibility – Designed for 2004-2014 Ford F-150 (excluding flareside models) and 2006-2014 Lincoln Mark LT models.
Quick Installation – Installs in minutes with just a few wrenches, no drilling or tail light removal required.
Material: 45# Steel
Color: Black
Compatible Truck Models: 2004-2014 Ford F150, 2006-2014 Lincoln Mark LT
Compressed Length: 8.6 in. (21.8 cm)
Extended Length: 14.4 in. (36.6 cm)

Truck Tail Gate Lift Assist Tailgate Shock Compatible with 2004-2014 Ford F-150 & 2006-2014 Lincoln Mark LTs

Click on the image to go to the buying and specification page at OrionMotorTech. Buy it here for $27

Tailgate Assist for 2015-2023 Ford F-150 Controlled Drop & Lift Help

Click on image to go to OrionMotorTech’s site for this product

Easy Handling – Allows hands-free, smooth lowering and easy closing of tailgate for all users.
Durable Build – Constructed from 45# electroplated steel with riveted mount plate for superior strength and longevity.
Quick Install – Installs in minutes with just wrenches, no drilling or tail light removal required. Optional ball mount included.
Material: 1045 Steel, CrV Steel
Color: Black
Compatible Models: 2015-2023 Ford F-150
Compressed Length: 8.6 in. (21.8 cm)
Extended Length: 14.4 in. (36.6 cm)

Tailgate Assist for 2015-2020 Ford F-150

Easy Handling – Allows hands-free, smooth lowering and easy closing of the tailgate.
Durable Build – Made from strong 45# electroplated steel with riveted mount plate for longevity.
Quick and Easy Install – Installs in minutes with just simple wrenches, no drilling or tail light removal needed.
Material: 45# Steel
Color: Black
Compatible Truck Models: 2015-2020 Ford F-150

Click on image to go to OrionMotorTech’s site for this product. Buy this truck assist here

Tailgate Assist for 2009-2022 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 & 3500

Click on image to go to OrionMotorTech’s site for this product.

Easy Handling – Allows smooth, hands-free tailgate lowering and easier closing
Broad Compatibility – Designed for 2009-2022 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 models.
Quick Installation – Installs in minutes with basic tools, no drilling or tail light removal needed.
EASY ON YOUR HANDS: This heavy-duty tailgate shock assist by Orion Motor Tech lets you safely and smoothly control the drop rate of your pickup’s tailgate even with an armful of stuff; it also acts as a tailgate lift making your tailgate easier to close for the whole family
WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Our truck tailgate assist is specially designed for compatibility with all Dodge Ram and Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models from 2009 to 2022
BUILT TO LAST: This Dodge Ram tailgate shock is constructed of structural-grade 45# steel electroplated for outstanding strength, durability, and corrosion resistance
FAST & EASY TO INSTALL: With the clear instructions and included hardware, this tailgate damper is ready to go out of the box and working on your truck within minutes; installation requires an M5 Allen wrench, 10 & 13 mm wrenches, a flathead screwdriver, and pliers but no drilling or tail-light removal is required
1 YEAR WARRANTY: This helpful truck accessory comes with Orion Motor Tech’s usual strong warranty and friendly 24/7 customer service for a worry-free purchase, easy installation, and a long service life!
Material: 45# Steel
Color: Black
Compatible Truck Models: 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, 2010-2012 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, & 3500, 2013-2018 Ram 1500, 2013-2022 Ram 2500 & 3500, 2019-2022 Ram 1500 Classic
Compressed Length: 8.6 in. (21.8 cm)
Extended Length: 14.4 in. (36.6 cm)

Buy the Tailgate Assist for 2009-2022 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 & 3500 HERE

Heavy Hydraulic Duty Truck Tailgate Shock Assist for Chevy Silverados & GMC Sierras 2007–2019