Ford F-150 Tailgate Drop Assist Install and Review - OEM Tailgate Dampener

Installing Ford OEM tailgate dampener (part #FL3Z-99406A10-A Tailgate Shock Assembly) in a 2015 F-150 pickup truck. Sometimes referred to as just the tailgate assist, or more incorrectly a tailgate lift assist as it does not help with the weight of the tailgate as the term "lift assist" would suggest but merely slows the decent of the tailgate so it doesn't free-fall putting unnecessary stress on the cables and making lots of noise. This is a part that comes standard with some trim levels therefore it is a straightforward install on those models that didn't -- no drilling or any other modifications required.
The entire job takes about 15 minutes to complete and requires only basic mechanical skills and tools which is an 8mm and T-50 (Torx) wrenches. The effectiveness of the upgrade was better than expected. Per the literature, the kit fits 2015 through 2020 Ford F-150 pickups.
Link to order from Amazon is here:
amzn.to/3usowiS
The above URL is an affiliate link. The channel may receive a commission when you order via this link. Thank you for your support.

[@WU3Shamradio]

I bought one of these kits from Ford and it sucks getting 2 bolts out shouldn't take an act of god I'm just going to return mine and just deal with the tailgate slam

[@FFPM371]

This video is so Canadian!!

[@nezbro2011]

Been watching videos and doing research about using the piston method that's outside the truck on the side of the tailgate, from what I've seen those are noisy and break often. I'm spending the extra money and going with the OEM method.

[@thecountrylivingproject3263]

Good call!

[@Yahusha-Saves.]

great acting, guys. 😂

[@Mike-qt1bn]

the acting in this video is top tier guys, you both really missed your calling

[@tjl9585]

Had this installed on new 2024 by the dealer. Works great. Then I noticed this "odd" part laying on the second row floor. Your video confirmed it's the original hinge.

[@wolfsburggti4476]

do you know if it is the same part number?

[@BrendanBuff]

Any recommendations on getting the torx bolts off? That’s where I’m stuck

[@thecountrylivingproject3263]

Are you using an impact driver?

[@thomasjordan1215]

Man, 😂 I like your video

[@chriswoods5120]

Thank You for the making the video, I did not realize the Ford OE dampener is hidden inside the bed behind the passenger side taillight. Quick question - I noticed after being installed on the 2015, the tailgate started down slow then within the last couple inches did appear to "free fall" - is that right ? I ask because I just picked up my 2022 F150 Lariat a month ago, which does the same thing as the "after" in your video - which now makes me re-think whether I want/need to add an exposed aftermarket absorber on the driver's side.

[@thecountrylivingproject3263]

The rate it falls does increase the further the gate drops. Just basic physics at play as the moment of inertia gets further away from the vector of decent. So there's still a little bit of a jolt once the straps catch the tailgate, but definitely better than the freefall you get without the drop assist mechanism.

[@colburnlehn9357]

Does this help when you lift it also?

[@thecountrylivingproject3263]

It is only a dampener, not a lift cylinder so it doesn't offer any assistance, unfortunately.

[@paulmoreno493]

Which tread locker did you use?

[@thecountrylivingproject3263]

Loctite blue. That's the removable one.

[@paulmoreno493]

@@thecountrylivingproject3263 thanks for the information

[@itsmejsb]

Think twice before attempting this "15 minute" project ... the Torx bolts were impossible to remove on my F150 and we wound up stripping the head off the bottom bolt. Unsure how to fix. Had to put the top bolt back in and give up. I hate it when a simple project fails, truck is in worse shape than before I started and still no dampener 🤬. I have used non-OEM dampeners previously and they were a breeze. Went with OEM this time because I wanted to keep everything stock, Ford parts only, etc. Brand new truck with less than 500 miles and I already damaged it 😢 …

[@dgarcia5555]

Trailor wasn't connected right, popped up while loading and it lifted off the hitched and into my f150 tail gate. Didn't dent just a 4 inch shark bite 😅😢 I've had her for a month. Slapped a sticker over it oh well.

[@itsmejsb]

@@dgarcia5555 😳 … at least we caused the damage ourselves and not some reckless unknown person lol 😂. I have since correctly installed the dampener using new parts and bolts, had to use a torch to get the old torx bolt out. Bought a paint touch up kit to correct the paint. 🙏🏻

[@BrendanBuff]

I just had the same problem. Any luck getting the torx bolts off? I tried a compact drill and a few other things but only managed to get the top one a few turns loose. It’s literally impossible to get out. Any ideas?

[@itsmejsb]

Heat with a torch, melt the thread locker, they come right out! 👍🏻😃