Tailgate assist orientation

[1Guy1Truck]

There seems to be much debate about the orientation of tailgate assists, even among the same brands. Some show the extending arm up and some show it down. What’s the correct way?
I just bought the rough country one which is essentially the same as dee zee. I noticed for the dee zee one people have it installed both ways.

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[rclee]

Fat part in the up position.

 

[commadorebob]

Given the angle and the distance, I don't think it matters from a physics perspective. The forces will be equal either way. I personally like the look with the fat end up. But if the instructions aren't specific, I don't think it will hurt it regardless.

 

[1Guy1Truck]

Fat part in the up position.

So I should go against the instructions?

 

[bbhaag]

I have the OEM brand from Dee Zee and here is what the installation manual says about installing the strut.

 

[jpl7977]

Whatever the installation manual says.

But either way I’ve always seen pneumatic/hydraulic cylinders installed with the fat part on the static assembly (bed) and the thin part on the moving assembly (tailgate). Go google some pictures of excavators and backhoes and you’ll see what I mean.

 

[1Guy1Truck]

Whatever the installation manual says.

But either way I’ve always seen pneumatic/hydraulic cylinders installed with the fat part on the static assembly (bed) and the thin part on the moving assembly (tailgate). Go google some pictures of excavators and backhoes and you’ll see what I mean.

Seems the rough country one I got shows online, manual and video to have the thin part up on the bed. I’ll try that and see if I have any issues.

 

[rclee]

there is a huge thread about this on MTC. Funny thing is I just read all of the pages before I saw your post. The major agreement is that the fat (cylinder) part is on the top facing down and the stem is on the bottom. The fat part guides the cable away and prevents the chafing of the cable. Just use the search function on the site to find that thread.

 

[1Guy1Truck]

there is a huge thread about this on MTC. Funny thing is I just read all of the pages before I saw your post. The major agreement is that the fat (cylinder) part is on the top facing down and the stem is on the bottom. The fat part guides the cable away and prevents the chafing of the cable. Just use the search function on the site to find that thread.

I tried searching but there was too much to sort through.

 

[rclee]

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/tailgate-assist-update.4020/#post-85344


I hope this one helps you out. Click on the link ^^^^^^^

 

[1Guy1Truck]

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/tailgate-assist-update.4020/#post-85344


I hope this one helps you out. Click on the link ^^^^^^^

Thanks for the link. Wow, I thought getting this would be a luxury but it seems like a PITA honestly. No real clarification on orientation of the strut and both ways seem to have issues. Thinking I’ll return it and just keep slamming the tailgate instead.

 

[MetalThunder]

Struts are ALWAYS (99% unless opening angle and cog dictate near horizontal mounting ) mounted fat end up rod facing down to help stop moisture/dirt intrusion and maintain a good seal to maintain cycle life.

 

[Milous]

Thanks for the link. Wow, I thought getting this would be a luxury but it seems like a PITA honestly. No real clarification on orientation of the strut and both ways seem to have issues. Thinking I’ll return it and just keep slamming the tailgate instead.

As noted, fat side up. GREAT option to have, I installed mine almost a year ago and zero issues, works perfectly.

 

[icegradner]

As noted, fat side up. GREAT option to have, I installed mine almost a year ago and zero issues, works perfectly.

Installed mine in September, also no issue other than if it gets wet and freezes. When it does the tailgate opens very slowly. Once it took over a minute.

 

[Bn1970]

I've got chafing of the cable , someone suggested a zip tie with 2'' uncut extension to guide the cable. going to try that.

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