So yours has the cushion at the end of travel so it slows down before being fully extended?

Either mine doesn't have the oil in it to cause the cushioning effect, it's bad, or it doesn't work right being horizontal, and not vertical.

Edit: Going back and looking at McMaster-Carr's site it says "All gas springs contain pressurized nitrogen gas as well as hydraulic fluid that lubricates the seal and provides slam-resistant damping at the end of the stroke." So, I guess mine is just a bad shock. I'll get it replaced and see if that solves the problem.

 

Yes. Mine slows down before becoming fully extended.

 

I finally decided that the 50lb shock works best for me- I tried 30 and 40 but 50 is kick ass and swings open when im on a hill and door has to push against the slope with no problem

Im Crazy

 

I got my McMaster-Carr parts the other day and am ready to install. For those that mounted the bracket behind the plastic trim on the door, can you post a picture before you replaced the trim? My bracket does not fit flush anywhere behind that trim since that area of the door is recessed. I was thinking of installing the door bracket above or below the trim piece. Thanks.

 

I just ordered the McMaster parts too. Thanks for everyone's great info. I'll be taking full photos of my install to share with you all.

As for the gas shock, it says that the ball joint ins removeable to attach to the ball bracket, but without having it in front of me I can't see how it would come apart??

 

I had the same question when I got my parts in the mail and I actually called McMaster. Bottom line, remove the the small clip that holds the ball in and then pull out the ball. You have to give it a good tug. Now you can attach the shock to the bracket. I may do my install this weekend as well. I still have questions on where to mount the bracket on the tailgate so it sits flush.

 

You are right the bracket does not fit flush. I had the same problem and gpwpat had the answer for me. Thanks gpwpat. Place three oversized nuts behind the bracket so that the bolts go thru them holding them in place. It's a pain in the neck but it works. Good luck.

As far as positioning the shock, let the shock fully extend and open the tailgate fully. Attach the brackets to both ends of the shock. Hold the shock in place and mark the location of the brackets.

 

I just installed mine too and it also doesn't seem to slow down at the end of it's travel. It bounces a bit at the end. You guys with a 40 and 50 lb shock must get a lot of bounce. It doesn't really bother me since without the shock I would have to position the door out there anyway. Now I just don't have to hold it.

I uploaded a gallery of images during the intall:

Parts were from McMaster Carr, Rivet Nuts and gun from Harbor Freight, Screws and washers from Ace Hardware.

http://www.pbase.com/jamooche/tailgae_shock

 

nice job Jamooche - I like the way you installed the tailgate bracket upside down, at least you have a good flat piece of the door to mount it to there. I've had the parts for weeks...Iguess it's my turn to install.

 

Come to think about it - Mine doesnt slow down either-


Guys with the Shock that slows down at the End-

Info:

Where did you get and what part # please

Thanks

Mike