DeeZee Tailgate Assist Install: 13th Gen Ford F-150

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If you own a 13th generation Ford F-150 in a Lariat trim or higher, then you are blessed with the soft open of the tailgate due to it being outfitted with an OEM tailgate assist. Unfortunately if you own an XLT trim or lower trim like me, then you are met with a loud and sudden drop of the tailgate when you open it. If you prefer the soft opening of an assisted tailgate, then you have a couple of options: install a Ford OEM tailgate assist or install an aftermarket one.

The great thing about the Ford OEM dampener is that it is completely hidden as it is installed behind the passenger’s side factory tail light. It also opens the tailgate a bit slower than the aftermarket options out there. They cost somewhere around $50-$60. The alternative to OEM is aftermarket with DeeZee being one of the most popular brands available. The aftermarket shock installs in a visible location and is not hidden like the Ford OEM one. The aftermarket tailgate assist ends up costing around half the price of the OEM one too.

Since there were a high number of excellent reviews on the DeeZee tailgate assist, I decided to go this route. The install is fairly easy and doesn’t look bad. In hindsight, I probably would’ve mustered up another $20-$30 to go with the more seamless look of the Ford OEM version, but I’m still content with the performance of the DeeZee tailgate assist. Below is a tutorial on installing the DeeZee tailgate assist and some things to look out for when installing it on your 13th generation Ford F-150.

Tools & Materials

DeeZee Tailgate Assist (Part #DZ43204 for 2015-2020 Ford F-150)

The DeeZee tailgate assist comes with the shock, installation hardware, T-50 Torx wrench, and protection film.

DEE ZEE DZ43204 Tailgate Assist Shock

Socket Wrench Set

A simple socket wrench set will do for this as you just need it to remove some 10mm bolts. If you don’t already have a set, here is a basic set that will get you started. If you need help picking a mechanics tool set, check out this article.

DEWALT Socket Set, 3/8-Inch Drive, SAE/Metric, 34-Piece

M5 Allen Wrench

If you don’t have one of these around, here is a popular set of allen wrenches:

TEKTON Hex Key Wrench Set, 30-Piece (.028-3/8 in., .7-10 mm)

Installation of DeeZee Tailgate Assist on a 13th Gen Ford F-150

Below is the DeeZee tailgate assist kit with everything you’ll need to install.

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First, open up the tailgate. The standard tailgate will simply have the support cables holding the tailgate once opened. The Dee Zee tailgate assist can only be installed on the driver’s side of the tailgate.

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Next, take a 10mm socket or wrench and remove the only the top bolt. Next, loosen (but do not remove) the lower bolt as seen in the third photo below. Take the ball mount plate supplied by DeeZee and slide it over the threads of the loosened lower bolt. Then install supplied button head bolt using a M5 allen wrench. Tighten this bolt as well as the lower bolt that was loosened previously.

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Next, you will need to remove the tailgate cable. Use the provided Torx T50 wrench to remove the bolt holding this cable in. Install the ball mount plate behind the bolt and washer as shown below.

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Tighten the T-50 Torx screw with the ball mount plate as shown. Then reattach the tailgate cable accordingly; you may need to lift up on the tailgate slightly to be able to do so.

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Now, you’ll need to attach the shock to each end at the ball mounts. The shock should be oriented with the narrower end on the bottom (attached to the tailgate) and the thicker end up top. You simply need to pop the knuckle over the ball joint on each end by simply smacking the back of the knuckle onto the joint with either a mallet or the palm of your hand.

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Now that the hardware for the tailgate assist is fully installed, you can optionally use the provided clear protection film to stick onto areas where parts might rub on one another. The area shown below with the half-moon shape cut out is one example location that the instruction manual shows to apply the film. You may also stick onto any other areas that might experience rubbing.

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Finally, check your installation and test out your tailgate assist. See if there’s any other areas that might need protection film and apply as needed. The tailgate should now open smoothly to a soft stop; for about $30, it is certainly worth the money. And on top of that, you can feel assured that DeeZee offers a 3 year limited warranty on the tailgate assist.

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Buying from DeeZee

I purchased the DeeZee tailgate assist for my F-150 through Amazon, but I did get a chance to work with DeeZee’s customer service. I have to say that my experience with them was stellar; I had some noise issues with the tailgate assist I bought on Amazon. I took a video and provided the video to DeeZee’s customer service to show what problem I was having.

They asked for my proof of purchase and once I sent it to them, they immediately sent out a replacement item without any issue. I was pleasantly surprised to see this level of service and would have no hesitation ordering other products from them again.