2003 Ford F-150 Tailgate Assists

The Dee Zee Tailgate Assist was relatively simple to install on my 2003 F250. It's a little tricky to get the blind nut to squash up properly, but you can use either the tape method that comes in the instructions or what I did was secure it in a vice and slowly took up the drive screw until the blind nut ribs started to expand. ( I gave it 4 stars for this part if you are not the mechanical type.) Do it just enough to still be able to fit in the tailgate hole. However, if you go a little too far you can squish it back with a mid-size Channel Lock or similar pliers. Be sure to torque to the specified 11 psf so it doesn't spin. Everything else is straight forward. The damper snaps right on and really makes a difference in lowering a heavy tailgate. I haven't tried to remove the damper yet (no need to, it's brand new), but it should just pop off. Recommend it if it's a hassle for you to manhandle the tailgate. Installed it in about 20 minutes including removing necessary existing parts.