Ford Maverick Tailgate Drops Too Hard? Here’s the EASY Fix!

[mikeydailycarry]

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[rtphokie]

This video shows the tailgate assist being installed with a ratchet and the following bits

• T30
• T50
• 1/4"
• 3/16"

You probably already have the last two, it's worth picking up the first two.

T30 and T50 bits are just a few bucks. Save your knuckles and your paint. The attempt at a T30/T50 wrench that comes with many of the tailgate assist offerings on Amazon is garbage and will slide out of the bolt.

 

[PlantMan]

It's a truck. Tailgates are built to slam.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

For around $29 a Tailgate Damper is well worth the cost.
I find regardless of the weight of the tailgate it's a convenience not to have it slam down or having to hold as it opens.

 

[rtphokie]

It's a truck. Tailgates are built to slam.

That used to be true, but today these shocks are standard on upper trim levels of nearly every new truck.

It's a $20 upgrade that's easy to add and makes the truck that much more useful.

Trucks are built to be used.

 

[Lone Mav]

I've found that if you are worried about your tailgate slamming, just hold on to it when you open it.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

That used to be true, but today these shocks are standard on upper trim levels of nearly every new truck.

It's a $20 upgrade that's easy to add and makes the truck that much more useful.

Trucks are built to be used.

I agree. The convenience outweighs the $20 to $30 expense. Especially when I only have one hand free to unlatch the tailgate.

 

[Lane]

I think the tailgate assist strut was the first thing I added. When I have full hands/arms, I can lift the gate latch with any particular finger and allow the gate to drop to open position slowly without me having to lower it there by hand. For you naysayers here - for a truck bed that gets USED, this utility is appreciated. And if it saves me from a heart attack (when I get older) from an accidental loud-as-hell BANG!!!, even better. It's cheap enough that it's worth every penny, IMO.

For those who choose to add one - if you would like to replace the tailgate tie down bracket that had to be removed to fit the assist strut, here's what I make and offer for sale:

Works well and clears the new strut and no issues with the cable. And made in the USA. I have a thread here in the For Sale forum.

 

[OleFordGuy]

It's a truck. Tailgates are built to slam.

Obviously doesn’t have kids or grandkids running around hanging on to your leg etc when ya hands are full and lowering the tailgate. Probably the best mod for the majority

how about the camera electronics in that tailgate?

 

[LSchicago]

You needed to make a video about this? Doesn't everyone know about these?

 

[mepot101]

The tailgate assist shock is the best mod I did to mine, and I did ALL the mods.
Has nothing to do with weight, it is just the best thing ever.

 

[ScottyC]

But, now I will not be able to open a bottle when I need to......oh noes!!

 

[OleFordGuy]

But, now I will not be able to open a bottle when I need to......oh noes!!

walk to the other side, it's still there to open that bottle

 

[ScottyC]

walk to the other side, it's still there to open that bottle

That's crazy!!! (Goes to other side of truck with tailgate open) well....how 'bout that...but now the tailgate is imbalanced with "only" one bottle opener....curses!!!!

 

[Carlitos_92]

I've found that if you are worried about your tailgate slamming, just hold on to it when you open it.

I've found that the convenience of unlatching the tailgate and being able to walk away while it lowers is a convenience worth the minimal cost.

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