After about a decade without a big diesel, an '05 3500 has ended in my driveway (wife's truck). One thing I've come to realize I can no longer manhandle these heavy tailgates one handed, and wife is nearly lifting over her shoulders to open or shut it. There are a couple types of assist devices, the side mount shock and some type of torsion bar setup. Doesn't seem to be much review or opinions of them out in the wild. Figure I'd come back into the fold and ask the forum.

I'd at least like a shock against free dropping, but if one of these doubled up as drop AND lift assist that would be great. So, anyone have some tailgate device, recommendations on which direction?

Thanks for any replies, glad to be back.

 

I use a Deezee kit on my tailgate. It soft drops it. As for closing, you still need to use arms and legs like normal.

 

I had 2 friends with the torsion setup and it was interesting. I think all they had to do was drill a hole or 2 in certain places and install it. It made a big difference in the open and close function.

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I just installed the Deezee kit. It’s great for the money, but as stated, doesn’t really assist with lifting the tailgate.