All About the Tailgate Assist on Ford F-150

While tailgate assist has features and advantages, one is that your Ford F-150 has a much bigger value if you have it installed.

Terms “tailgate lift assist” and “tailgate shock assist” are interchangeable.

Basically, it lessens how quickly your tailgate drops. A slower pace keeps your car in better condition and preserves the functionality of your tailgate.

In this article, you will learn about the tailgate assist for Ford F-150, so let’s get right into it!

Tailgate Assist on Ford F-150: Key Takeaways

 

• A Ford F-150 tailgate lift assist is a tool that keeps your tailgate from slamming shut.
• Types of tailgate assist on Ford F-150: Tailgate Assist With Strut Damper, Tailgate Lift Assist with Easy Lift Handle, Tailgate Assist With Built-In Shock Absorber, and Double-Sided Tailgate Lift Assist.

What Is Tailgate Assist on F-150? 

A Ford F-150 tailgate lift assist is a tool that keeps your tailgate from slamming shut. Even if you try to close your door slowly, it’s likely to drop quickly if your hands are full or busy.

The pieces that hold the tailgate together get worn down by the weight of the tailgate slamming down. They can wear out over time and need to be replaced, which can be expensive.

Putting in this assist can also help you raise and/or keep your car’s value. Each part of the vehicle is important; however, back doors on a truck are very valuable. Most of the time, a tailgate lift assist is a part that changes the U-shaped steel springs that come with your Ford F-150. 

Most of the time, you can choose between a single- or two-piece system, which can lessen the jolt you feel when you open and close your door with force.

With this tailgate lift assist (with handles), you will be able to use your tailgate easily, especially when you are loading heavy tools.

Types of Tailgate Assist in F-150 

Most tailgate assists are the same, but some have a handle, and some have one or two pieces. 

There are a few different kinds of tailgate lift aids for the Ford F-150, according to Car and Driver.

Double-Sided Tailgate Lift Assist

A tailgate lift aid with shock absorbers on both sides is called “double-sided.” This spreads out the door’s weight, making it easier and safer to lower. It is mainly made of high-quality steel, and many kits come with all the tools you need to install it.

Also, there is no drilling needed since it is a bolt-on. 

Tailgate Assist With Built-In Shock Absorber

With a tailgate help that has a built-in shock absorber, the tailgate won’t jolt when it opens. It lets you slowly and quietly open your door and only needs one lift strut on one side to be installed.

This tailgate is easy to put on, and most people can do it in an hour or less. Also, it generally comes in a kit with everything you need.

Tailgate Lift Assist with Easy Lift Handle

This tailgate lift assist not only offers all that you need for a simple setup, but it also has an easy-to-use handle. It’s a two-way method that makes the door feel like it has no weight.

Tailgate Assist With Strut Damper

A tailgate assist with the strut damper protects the tailgate and softens the impact of the springs. You can open your door with just one hand with the easy latch. It is made of high-quality steel and is easy to put together.

Installing this door lift help kit doesn’t require drilling into your car because it uses the screw holes already there.

The Ford F-150 is a tough truck that “works” hard. If you add any of these door lift aids to your truck, it will be stronger and easier to use for loading and pulling.

How to Install or Replace Tailgate Assist on Ford F-150? Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide with which you can replace or install your tailgate assist on Ford F-150. 

1. You can switch the tailgate to manual mode using the tablet to get to the car settings.
2. Open the tailgate.
3. Remove the in-line cable for the power door locks. It is under the pickup box on the right side of the car near the spare tire.
4. Put a secure cap on the part of the in-line adapter that is still under the pickup box. Note: The protected cap is in the section for the gloves.
5. Raise the tailgate a little bit. Carefully feed the tailgate wire up through the space between the pickup box and the hood and put it out of the way under the pickup box.
6. Lower the tailgate all the way.
7. Take out the retaining screw.
8. With a screwdriver, carefully and slowly pry the spring clip on each connection past the head of the support screw. Cut the connection.
9. Disconnect the other cable. 
10. Raise the tailgate until it is 45 degrees off the ground.
11. Take the side on the right off its hinge.
12. Raise the tailgate to an angle of 80 degrees from the horizontal position.
13. Slide the tailgate to the right to take it off the left-side hinge.
14. Put the tailgate in reverse order.

These steps should do it, and now you have a tailgate assist! Enjoy it and also enjoy the bigger value your car now have.