Ford Ranger Tail Gate Assist DIY

[Pilot Laslo]

Hello
I have been searching for a tailgate suspension for a Ford Ranger, with no luck, below I will describe how i made one for my 2002 Ford Ranger.

Original Poster: Pilot Laslo

Difficulty: 3 out of 10

Time to install: 1 Hour

Disclaimer: The Ranger Station.com, The Ranger Station.com Staff, nor the original poster are responsible for you doing this modification to your vehicle. By doing this modification and following this how-to you, the installer, take full responsibility if anything is damaged or messed up. If you have questions, feel free to PM the original poster or ask in the appropriate section of The Ranger Station.com forums.

Brief Explanation: Modify a 2009-18 Dodge Ram 1500 tailgate assist to work on your Ford Ranger

Tools Needed:
-Drill
-Screwdriver
-T40 torx
-Drill Bits
-Vice Grips

Parts Needed:
- Ram 1500 Tailgate assist https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XC22SBJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Large Self Drilling Screws

---------------------------------------------------------

Steps 1:

Drill Holes for self tapping screws, then attach plate with screws as seen in photo
---------------------------------------------------------

Steps 2:

Remove the driver side brake light, Then remove the bottom bolt holding tailgate support wire, then with vice grips grab the bottom latch square nutplate inside brake light housing and yank it out.
---------------------------------------------------------

Steps 3:

insert the small round ball for suspension, then add nut (not included) to back side.

---------------------------------------------------------
Step 4:

Add suspension to the 2 round ball, and your done


Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

[RRack]

I see now the ball stud in the pics on Amazon. However I got two metal plates with the studs welded instead of the threaded stud.

 

[RRack]

Sorry for bugging you and I know this is old but worth a shot. Did you replace the regular cable support too or just rely on the other cable on the right side?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Laszlo hasnt been on since Jan 3...

 

[sgtsandman]

Sorry for bugging you and I know this is old but worth a shot. Did you replace the regular cable support too or just rely on the other cable on the right side?

All the installs I've seen do not replace the support cable. It's just there to slow the rate of decent of the tailgate. Usually, they allow you to release the tailgate and just let it drop. The support cables are still needed to hold the weight as you load and unload things.