Anyone have an EZ-Down?

GnatGoSplat · August 2, 2006

I came across this thread when searching Google on a completely unrelated topic (I have no affiliation with the company that makes or sells the product).

It's for a tailgate damper called EZ-down. They have a website at http://www.ezdown.com.

I found a link for the GM version on eBay here.

I was just curious if anyone here has it? Is the install as easy on a Chevy as a Ford? Can the speed of opening be adjusted? I'm tempted to buy one. Anything to make my truck feel more refined is worth a shot.

On a kind of related note, anyone tried a Hoppy EasyLift?

http://www.truckcustomizers.com/products/K5HOPTB.1.html

It's not a lot of money, and isn't this what Fords have in their tailgates to make them feel lighter?

DanY · August 16, 2006

I just installed the Hoppy Easylift last evening. Best $20 I ever spent on my truck.

I found some good discussion about it on one of the Titan boards when I was

doing a google search.

It requires drilling 2 holes, one in the bottom of the tailgate and one to the

right of the lefthand tail light above the tailgate pivot. I really don't like the

idea of drilling holes, but as it turns out this is such a great mod.

It was a little clumsy getting the bar into the tailgate but not too bad. It does

make it more if a PITA to remove the tailgate if you do that regularly. For me

this was the first time I had the tailgate off my truck in the 3 years I've had it.

It works great. Honest to god 2 fingers needed to lift the tailgate. You need to

remind yourself to slam it at the top to make sure it latches.

There is one downside that I see. When the tailgate is down there isn't a lot

of weight holding it down. If you drive with the gate down and unloaded, I can

see it bouncing on rough roads.

I also discovered 2 large flat washers residing inside my tailgate. They were

usually wedged down in the bottom of the gate. but sometimes when I slammed

it shut I could hear something rattle. Leftover from some manufacturing process?

I fished them out with a magnetic wand.

redvett · August 16, 2006

I have an EZdown and its great. No drilling just a 5 minute job and works great.

crazymjb · August 17, 2006

That Hoppy Easy Lift seems like a brilliant idea, very simple and very effective.

Mike

redvett · August 17, 2006

I my self wouldnt want to drill any holes to install because of rust.

ricko2 · December 16, 2006

Put the EZDown on my truck today. Works great, but rubbed the paint on the inside edge of the tailgate. Nothing a thinner fenfer washer couldn't fix. My tailagate dropped and hit my kid the other day, and we got these at work today, so I snatched it up, no problem with the $60.00.

chris_kucia · December 21, 2006

A question on the easy lift...

Does the easy lift also work somewhat like the EZ down - slowing the fall of the tailgate when opening?

I hurt my shoulder awhile back and opening and closing the tailgate is one of those handful of things that really irritates it.

I like that the EZ down slows the tailgate fall, but my experience with gas actuators is that it would make the tailgate even harder to lift, which for me would not be a bonus.

The easy lift sounds like a great product at a great price.

Tucson_02Silverado · December 21, 2006

It's suppose to be an option on the 2007. A good excuse to check out the new trucks.

FergieDSP · January 9, 2007

anyone else have an ez-down on their truck? i recently found this product on a ford forum and was reading about it. some people say they really like it and some say its not worth it. as stated above someone said it rubbed the paint off the interior of the tailgate, anyone else have this happen?

kssooner · January 9, 2007

That seems like a pretty nice product. Dont know that I would spend $70 on it though.

del91574 · January 11, 2007

I got one, found a seller via (of all places) a F-150 forum that sells on ebay. $45 shipped to my door.

dewfpo · January 11, 2007

I got one for Christmas but haven't installed it yet. Bought it on eBay for a great price.

DEWFPO

FergieDSP · January 11, 2007

dewfpo and del91574,

Once you guys get them installed, let me know what you think of them and if you think it is worth it or not.

PhilB · February 1, 2008

I just installed the EZ Down on my truck this week. I really like it. The install took about 5-10 minutes. It is really slick. I bought mine off eBay - $54 + free shipping. I have the OEM EZ Lift tailgate and did not notice any increased resistance from the EZ Down when closing the tailgate.

I will monitor to see if I get the paint rubbing issue as ricko2 stated.