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Tailgate assist shocks or support?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by thereandbackagain, Feb 15, 2021.

  1. Feb 15, 2021 at 12:05 PM
    #1
    thereandbackagain

    thereandbackagain [OP] New Member

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    I'm looking for a "tailgate assist shock" or something that will prevent the tailgate from slamming down, and/or provide more support. The latter point might be unnecessary but I plan to have two Trasharoo-type bags on my tailgate that will be loaded up with firewood/trash. And a DIY drawer system that will rest on the tailgate as well. So anything that can take the load off the cables and hinge points would be nice.

    Anyone have anything similar or know one that will fit the first gen?
     
  2. Feb 15, 2021 at 1:02 PM
    #2
    Mustanley

    Mustanley Two time totaler

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    Eibach Shocks/Coils|Doug Thorley Headers|Spintech 3000XL Muffler
  3. Feb 15, 2021 at 3:46 PM
    #3
    assassin10000

    assassin10000 New Member

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    Yep, I have that ^.

     
  4. Feb 15, 2021 at 4:53 PM
    #4
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    I have the ‘Strut’ which the System was Hand Crafted under a Blood Moon. This was before I knew about the tensioner rod mentioned above which is the better option from the reccos of other members. The price is lower and seems like a straight forward install, but you might void your truck warranty by drilling holes into it.
     
    abcinv likes this.
  5. Feb 17, 2021 at 7:12 AM
    #5
    jimf909

    jimf909 Battery almost dead...

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    Dead stock with oem 16" starfish wheels. We'll see how long that lasts. :) Topper of unknown origin.
    I installed one of these.

    Pros
    - cheap
    - works as advertised: keeps the tailgate from slamming down, allows closing the tailgate with one finger (not that that's that important)
    - simple, one piece
    - unobtrusive, does not interfere with bed loading in any way
    - Removes a notable load from the lousy delrin hinge bearings that break if you sneeze at them

    Cons
    - requires drilling into the truck and the tailgate
    - drilled holes will deform a bit
    - if you misplace the drilled hole you'll need to drill a second. DAMHIK.
    - it makes removing/reinstalling the tailgate a bit of a pain. From stupid simple to gymnastics required

    Summary
    - Recommended to highly recommended
     
  6. Feb 17, 2021 at 7:21 AM
    #6
    Glock 40

    Glock 40 I'm here to break shit

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    I wanna do it. The listing doesn't specify that it works for our trucks (says '04-'07)... I'm assuming that one actually does... or did you order a different model number made for ours ('00-'03)?
     
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2021
  7. Feb 17, 2021 at 7:30 AM
    #7
    evilrb

    evilrb New Member

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    Love mine!

    Took longer for me to figure out how to remove my tailgate rather than installing it. :rofl:
     
  8. Feb 17, 2021 at 7:47 AM
    #8
    Lil Steve

    Lil Steve Living the dream

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    I can confirm it does indeed fit pre 04. Really easy to install and for the price you'll wonder why you didn't install one sooner. Here's my write up on it... https://www.tundras.com/threads/adding-tailgate-assist.71398/#post-1841685

    @assassin10000 has a write up that shows drilling the body hole 5/16" lower should avoid any rubbing of the torsion bar on the tail gate hinge.... https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...t-gen-tundra-today.2558/page-811#post-2022104
     
  9. Feb 17, 2021 at 7:49 AM
    #9
    Glock 40

    Glock 40 I'm here to break shit

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    Thanks!
     
    Lil Steve likes this.
  10. Feb 17, 2021 at 1:53 PM
    #10
    thereandbackagain

    thereandbackagain [OP] New Member

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    Great summary, much appreciated. I will order one... hate to drill into anything but worth it I think.
     
  11. Feb 17, 2021 at 4:06 PM
    #11
    assassin10000

    assassin10000 New Member

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    Remote start alarm Removed keyless entry piezo Qi phone charger & dash mount Subaru underseat subwoofer Hopkins Easylift Steering wheel audio controls No-tenna mod 3/4 adhesive anti-rattle shim D/S door
    Just be aware some additional bending of the bar may be necessary. Mine was stiff enough it wouldn't fully rest its weight on the cables, it was .5-1" up from the resting position. Even with the bedliner piece on the tailgate.

    Simple to fix but somewhat of a pain to remove and reinstall lol. At least by myself.
     
  12. Feb 17, 2021 at 7:33 PM
    #12
    jimf909

    jimf909 Battery almost dead...

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    Dead stock with oem 16" starfish wheels. We'll see how long that lasts. :) Topper of unknown origin.
    I wish I had seen this. I drilled per the instructions and the torsion bar rubbed against the hinge. I may have drilled the second hole nearly an inch below the first.

    As stated, the 04-07 model fits an '03. Here's what I put on my '03:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMHVJO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
     
  13. Feb 17, 2021 at 7:35 PM
    #13
    jimf909

    jimf909 Battery almost dead...

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    Dead stock with oem 16" starfish wheels. We'll see how long that lasts. :) Topper of unknown origin.
    Removing the tailgate with this device installed is like a mental puzzle that I fail every time.
     
    evilrb[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Feb 23, 2021 at 9:09 AM
    #14
    thereandbackagain

    thereandbackagain [OP] New Member

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    Finally got this thing installed. Did it all myself so putting the tailgate back on was a bit tricky. I put the bar into the tailgate first and went from there. Only had to drill three (oops) holes when all was said and done. Works great. Without the cables it holds the tailgate a bit past 90 degrees and makes it a lot easier to lower/raise.

    Some pics for reference — this was done on a 2006 Double Cab.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    thanks to everyone who helped!
     
  15. Feb 23, 2021 at 1:47 PM
    #15
    CodyP

    CodyP Such a n00b

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    Yep. Got this installed as well. The only downside is driving with the tailgate down if you want. The tailgate is too light and bounces up and down over dips/bumps/pot holes. No bueno. Otherwise it works as advertised and is great
     
  16. Jul 23, 2023 at 9:16 AM
    #16
    MPBTundra

    MPBTundra New Member

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    Hmmm... in that second pic showing the holes in the tailgate itself, it looks like the first one you drilled was in the correct spot. That portion of the torsion bar is actually supposed to slip up and into the tailgate, past the bends and halfway to that second bend (there's a little mark of paint that comes on it that shows where it needs to be). That's where the drilling template locates it.

    I guess if it works for you in the second spot without inserting it past those bends, then that's good, but I suppose it probably wants more inserted to give more support internally?

    I just installed mine yesterday and wish I'd known to drill the "A" hole a little lower. Hopefully I can remedy that today. I don't think I can drill 5/16" lower than the first one because it'll just merge into one mega hole. :) I may see just how much lower it can be and not cause issues and then try that. Hopkins (or "hoppy" as my 2023 product packaging said on the Easylift) needs to modify their template to indicate a little bit lower for at least our first gen Tundras (mine is a 2004).
     
  17. Jul 23, 2023 at 10:51 AM
    #17
    artsr2002

    artsr2002 2005 Tundra DC SR5

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    It doesn't do a lot for the tailgate dropping. It does make it lighter when lifting though. Nice.
     
    dirtnsmores likes this.
  18. Oct 2, 2023 at 5:22 PM
    #18
    dirtnsmores

    dirtnsmores New Member

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    As long as it doesn't slam down, I'd be happy with that.
     

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