Rear Tailgate Assist

MotionMan · December 10, 2016

It is one piece. I put my new one on a week ago. I can see groves being cut into it already. $40 is just plain robbery, his kind of abuse is criminal. This will be the last one though, if it wasn't covered by warranty I would have left it alone.

Horacio · December 20, 2016

I've been working on my Dad's tailgate since it started falling like a rock, minus all dampening. I changed the hard plastic bushing (like everyone was doing) even though the old one looked fine. (2014 SLT with 46k miles). It didn't make any difference. Upon further investigating, there is a dampener located below the right side tail light. I replaced this dampener after removing the taillight. Needless to say, this did the trick. I think I could achieve even softer opening if I replaced the torsion rod inside the tailgate, (I removed and inspected this as well) but he was happy with just the dampener replacement. The part number is 23115812 and retails for just under $100. It probably could be had for less if you shop around.

I hope this helps someone, but I'm also sure the DeeZee Tailgate Assist DZ43102 would work just the same, it's less expensive and may even last longer, but my Dad didn't want to look at that little arm.

MotionMan · January 23, 2017

It only took 1 month for the new one to break. This time it went in for a few other things and they replaced the plastic piece and the cam that is used to slow the drop. We will see if it holds up but it really doesn't matter, this is the last time. The plastic piece is just used to take up the gap, they should make this out of Aluminium, that way it will never deform and crack.

5829BMG · January 24, 2017

DeeZee Assist works just fine and if you paint the hardware you don't even know its there after awhile.

MotionMan · January 24, 2017

I just watched that on you tube, that does look like a good deal,it would be a good option when this fails again I didn't see a price, is it around $60 or so. It doesn't look to be in the way and could be removed quickly. Thanks for sharing that.

SilveradoGuy87 · September 21, 2018

My plastic piece that goes around the bar that attaches the tailgate to the bed just broke also. 16 Silverado with 18k on it. Where did you guys find the part and was it just as easy as slipping it on to replace it?

smittyy · February 5, 2019

Cheep plastic! Had mine repaired once already 2 years ago and had my truck in the shop for a week or so part delivery time and paint, and of course it is broken again !!!!!!

gearheadesw · February 5, 2019

Hmmmm, I've had 2 trucks with this, one had 38k miles, the 2017 has 31k and change, no problems on either. Still comes down nice and easy, but I'm watching this, as the inevitable failure might just down the road.

Cowpie · February 9, 2019

Got some rear end damage to my 2500 a couple of weeks ago while clearing snow at my place. My screw up. But the rear bumper, fender, and the tail gate got damaged. Not sure yet If I finally have a great opportunity to yank the box off and put on an aluminum flatbed like I have been considering. Will look at cost to repair vs cost for flatbed. If I opt for repair, am going to look at yanking that goofy tailgate assist junk off. I want to be able to easily remove the tailgate periodically without it becoming a Popular Mechanics project. Some things should never change. This old Cavalry Sergeant in his mid 60's can still lift and lower a standard tailgate with ease. I don't need or want some goofy assist junk. Getting tired of paying for stuff the OEM shoves down my throat.