DZ43200 Tailgate Assist fits 04-14 Ford F150 & Lincoln Mark LT

As a truck owner who frequently uses the tailgate, the DZ43200 Tailgate Assist has been a game-changer. After installing it on my 2018 Ford F-150, I immediately noticed the difference in ease and safety when lowering the tailgate. Here’s a breakdown of my experience with this product:Installation:The installation process was straightforward and took about 15 minutes with basic tools. The kit includes clear instructions, and the parts are well-made, fitting perfectly onto the tailgate. No drilling was required, which was a huge plus. The only tricky part was aligning the dampener properly, but with a bit of patience, it was manageable. If you’re somewhat handy, you should have no problem installing it on your own.Functionality:The DZ43200 works exactly as advertised. It significantly slows down the tailgate as it opens, preventing it from slamming down. This is especially useful when my hands are full, and I need to open the tailgate with one hand. The operation is smooth, and the tailgate now opens at a controlled pace every time. I no longer worry about the tailgate dropping too quickly, which could be a safety hazard or cause damage over time.Durability:After using it for several months, the Tailgate Assist shows no signs of wear. The materials used seem to be of high quality, and the dampener still works as well as it did on day one. I’ve driven in various weather conditions, including rain and snow, and it has held up perfectly, with no rust or degradation in performance.Pros: • Easy installation with no drilling required. • Smooth, controlled operation of the tailgate. • Durable construction that withstands different weather conditions. • Affordable price for the value it adds to your vehicle.Cons: • Slight alignment challenge during installation, but nothing too difficult.Final Thoughts:The DZ43200 Tailgate Assist is a small investment that pays off in a big way. It enhances safety, protects your tailgate, and adds a touch of convenience that you’ll appreciate every time you use it. If you regularly use your truck’s tailgate, this product is a must-have. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable tailgate assist solution.

Installing the DZ43200 Tailgate Assist on my Ford F150 was a game changer. As a DIY enthusiast, I found the installation straightforward, thanks to the clear instructions. The hardware included was solid, and the entire process took less than 30 minutes.What I really appreciate about this tailgate assist is how it has transformed my tailgate operation. Gone are the days of worrying about the tailgate slamming down. Now, it gently lowers itself, which is not only safer but also much more convenient when my hands are full.One feature that stood out is the quality of the components. The assist is robust and seems built to last, handling the tailgate’s weight effortlessly. It’s a subtle addition, but it significantly enhances the truck's functionality. I’ve noticed no interference with the tailgate’s standard operation, and it integrates seamlessly with the existing setup.If there's any slight downside, it’s that the installation required a bit of precision, especially aligning the components correctly. However, this was a minor hurdle in what turned out to be a very worthwhile upgrade.This tailgate assist has made daily use of my truck more efficient and stress-free. It’s a simple yet effective enhancement that any truck owner would benefit from, particularly if you're frequently loading and unloading.

Had very limited tools but was able to install it pretty easily and it works well.

Super easy to install and works flawless

This product seems to have either good ratings or bad ratings. I will start my rating with 4-stars. Mine arrived today and outside of looking for tools, it took all of 15 minutes to install.First, my opinion: having installed it in less time than looking for the tools and the fact that I don't have to exert myself or anyone else in the family to support the tailgate, I'll have to say I love this product. However, reading all the reviews, it may or may not be long before my experience has changed.Specifics on the kit as it arrives: the packaging is nice and everything is contained in a blister pack. Everything really is self-explanatory. Seriously, if anyone can't figure this product out, even without the instructions, probably should bother. It really is THAT simple. It was also nice that the manufacturer was nice enough to include a T50 torx wrench to release the cable bolt. They also included thread-lock, something that not everyone will have on hand.Tools... As stated above, it was nice to find a T50 wrench in the kit. However, it is even less than useless. It slips and there is NO way anyone could use this... At all. Luckily, I had a T50 socket which I used with a ratchet. Now, my T50 socket had the same fit "loose"' so it's probably not the quality of the included wrench. However, the included wrench will NOT provide enough forward pressure to loosen the bolt, so it is still less than useless. You will need some of your own tools, such as an Allen or t-handle (size may vary depending on the kit, maybe), an open-ended wrench (again size may vary), and a small ruler, caliper or some sort of measuring instrument. I don't think the ruler is necessary at all if you ask me.Installation: easy. The instructions actually make it more difficult than it actually needs to be, so, this install is even easier than I mentioned above. The toughest part is just understanding how threaded inserts work. The bolt and nut that is included is a crude threaded-rivet "gun", without the extra expense. So if you have a threaded-rivet gun, the job is even easier still. I decided to do it per the instructions for warranty reasons. So anyway, all you need to do is get the sides to cinch up against the inside of the tailgate to create friction to prevent the nut from spinning. Too loose and it will eventually start spinning over time and with constant vibration. Too tight and you'll weaken the nut as well as the threads. Once this is installed, remove the bolt, nut and 3-piece bearing and replace it with the ball-end bolt. Once that is done and the top-plate installed (self-explanatory), just pop on the shock absorber. Pop-pop and you're done.Operation: once you release the tailgate, it takes about 5 seconds for the shock to fully lower the tailgate. This may be the point of failure that most people are reporting. Think about it, a tailgate weights probably 50-60lb. We won't feel this weight, maybe 20-30lb, since it is anchored. However, the shock may feel much more since it is connected very close to the pivot - laws of leverage, you know. Let's say the shock feels 100lb while you enjoy NOT supporting 30lb. This stress may be a lot for a little shock absorber. I'll keep an eye on it.Fit: I think it is unfair that some reviewers are putting blame on the product or manufacturer for proper fit, when it Amazon has bad information on fit.Probably a way to make this product better is to have a shock installed on both sides, so they share the load. If one fails, the other will assist with anti-slamming. Of course, this would probably double the price of the product.So, for now (7/31/2015), it's working great! I'll update this review if anything happens unexpectedly. If everything is still working as it should, this review will remain quiet.

Installed and works just as described

This simple and inexpensive accessory is a fantastic upgrade to my F-150. No more slamming tailgate. Now I can lift the handle and let go and the tailgate drops slow and smooth. Easy to install in less than 20 minutes.

I installed this kit 5 years ago, still works perfectly.

Muy facil de instalar, quedo a la perfeccion en una F150 XL 2009, hasta el momento menos de un mes de uso, sin problema.

Perfecto para su propósito muy útil fácil de instalar

Very easy install in about 10 mins.no need to remove the cover on the tail gate. Instructions were clearly missing a step but it's pretty easy to figure out.Only been on for a week or two but it works good so far. Not too fast, not too slow as some other comments suggestedDefinitely a good purchase for the price and a good gift for someone that has a truck

Muy bien, fácil instalación le quedo perfecto, hace su función,. Solo esperar al rendimeinto espero que dure mucho .