How to install Tailgate Assist of your car?

The tailgate assist has an age-old problem which is called the premature opening. I’m sure you are familiar with the symptoms like whenever you pull the handle it just slams down against your bumper, your fingers or your bulldog’s skull Ouch!

So having a tailgate assist and also knowing how to install it is indeed an adequate way of saving your fingers from getting slammed and your precious bulldog’s head.

Besides that, isn’t it great when you can carry a lot amount of gear in the cargo area of your truck? The back door of tonneau is generally used as it falls instantly when you tug the handle. A good tailgate assist would make the process much faster and easier.

So, let’s get to know how to install the tailgate assist…

How to Install the Tailgate Assist

Parts you will need:

  • Blue headlock
  • Shock
  • Ball Mount Plate
  • Nutsert Tool
  • Bottom Plate
  • Nutsert
  • Torx Wrench
  • Cable Clip
  • MYlar
  • Bolt
  • T-45 Torx

Tools that you need:

  • Flat Head Screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • M5 Allen Wrench
  • Punch
  • Tape Measure
  • Pliers
  • 10mm Wrench
  • M4 Allen Wrench
  • Phillips Screwdriver

Installation Process

Step 1

First of all, you have to adjust the nutshell tool but make sure there’s at least 3/4” distance from the washer to the head of the bolt. Remember, you can only install this product on the driver’s side.

Step 2

Next, you gotta unscrew the nutsert bolt from the nutsert tool. Along with the blue threaded bolt, you gotta apply a thin line of blue thread. Then wait until it gets dry. It will assist the nutsert to expand.

Step 3

Get the M5 Allen wrench and a 10mm wrench and install the nutsert in the opening by the tailgate pivot point. You should tighten the nutsert at least in nine 360 degree turns. Even after performing the nine turns if the nutsert still moves then tighten 1-2 turns more.

Step 4

Check again to make sure it’s not rotating clockwise anymore. You may remove the nutsert when the installation is complete.

Be aware of over-tightening the nutsert, it may strip the threads which will make the nutsert unstable.

Step 5

Fix the thread lock to the thread bolt. By placing the bolt into the nutsert using a 4mm Allen wrench you should be able to install the bottom.

Step 6

Then remove the tailgate cable from the bolt. You can use the wrench given to remove the cable bolt or you can also use a T45 torx socket.

Step 7

The bolt removed from the previous step through the hole in the ball mount plate back into the hole install it back again. Get the T45 and tighten the bolt. Re-install tailgate cable.

Step 8

Now you can remove the rubber block. To remove it pry and twist the screw at the same time and it will pop out.

To allow the cable move freely and not shackle when closing the tailgate you gotta flatten the limiter. You can use a hammer or punch to flatter the limiter.

Identifying the starting point of the clip is quite important. To do it measure down from the head of the cable 3 ½’’. This is the appropriate position for the cable clip to start.

Step 9

To avoid components from rubbing against the truck bed a myler sheet has been added. Use the mylar to the truck bed and tailgate where tailgate assist parts will be nearby during opening and closing.

Step 10

Finally, just make sure that everything is tightened properly by using the torque wrench and you are done. Go give yourself a pat on the back. You are a Genus!

Difficulties

Two common issues you might face:

Sometimes the nutsert may continue to spin without expanding in that case there is a solution.

To the end of the screw apply a small amount of the blue thread you received with the kit then wait for the glue to get dried. This solution will surely fix the issue.

The instructions say to leave about 3/4″ when you install the recessed nut in the tailgate. That may not work at times the nut might just keep spinning. To get it fixed just decrease it about 1/2″ and it will work like a champ!

Final Thoughts:

As you have seen the installation process is quite simple it will just take near about 15 minutes to complete. The tailgate assist is built to last. Its manufacturer’s made sure that it stands up to heavy use.

Overall this is an amazing product that is going to remove your lots of worries.

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