Tailgate Shock

How slowly does a perfectly operating tailgate shock/dampener supposed to lower the tailgate? Mine does almost nothing and will fall fast and hard when let go.

 

Not sure if mine is perfect or the correct amount of time. If I had to guess, 2 / 2.5 sec from releasing handle and letting it fall.

 

Oh wow. I guess mine is shot.

 

I got mine replaced under warranty.

 

If it's falling fast and hard when let go, I think it would be safe to assume it's time to replace. No time study is required for that.

 

If you are out of warranty, get the replacement dampener from O'reilly Auto Parts for lifetime warranty.

 

It's long out of warranty. I didn't know they sold them but that's a great idea. Not wanting to spend $120 on OEM. Thanks.

 

Same here. Mine was dropping fast, then bouncing up slightly at the very bottom of the stroke. It wasn't actually slamming but was very close to it.

 

Mine used to lower and stop the tailgate silently/slowly but now slams if I dont hold it because I blew it out like a dumbass lowering the tailgate with lumber on it that I forgot was there (was a long day). Got the OEM one for $75 and im putting it on along with the bed step when I get a free minute. Like others suggested, aftermarket versions you can get for cheap, pop the tail light out, switcheroo, and off you go.

 

There's also a chance that your strut broke off from the ball mount if it's no longer dampening, you can take off the driver side tail light to check and make sure it's still attached. Mine broke and luckily because of a member on here I was able to put a new ball mount on. info in this thread https://www.tundras.com/threads/broken-tailgate-hinge.107167/

 

Speaking of tailgates, my right side cable is fairly tight but the left side has slack in it. Is that normal? I never paid attention to it before.

 

Interesting thread. I wonder what the actual spec is on the tailgate drop time. I don't think mine assists as much as I'd like and don't think the added weight from the power lock and bed liner is the cause. Sooner or later someone will find a replacement from Mcmaster Carr that is stronger....If they already haven't.

 

I’ve got the exact same problem, right side tight left side loose, and have been wondering the same thing.

 

Mine are pretty much equal in terms of tightness.

 

Every truck I’ve owned has been this way. Always a little slack in one of the cables.

 

I’ve never noticed this before - any idea why?

 

I thought you were joking at first. Now I have to go look at my tailgate wires. Haha. Have a great day.

 

Probably just compounded manufacturing tolerances. I checked mine and they appear to have very similar tension when the tailgate is down. Even though my tailgate seems undersprung if I allow it to drop unrestricted it does decelerate and come to the horizontal position gently. Good enough for me.

 

Maybe its like a load management, since im sure the cables can stretch a little bit under load, so by having slightly different lengths it can dampen unladen and under weight as well for the give.

 

That is mine. It's a total free fall until the last inch then it slows down just a bit. Still bounces hard. Ordered an aftermarket shock. We will see.

 

Mine tailgate shock was blown. I have the AL Offroad trailgate which does weigh a decent amount. Replaced it two nights ago and it's good to go! I also cracked the hinge for the driver side, but I'm going to chalk that up to jumping the truck a lot lol. I open my tailgate probably 2-3x the average person as well.