Broken dee zee tailgate assist

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Mugster

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I had one on my 2013 and never had any issues with it. I've bought another one for my 2017 but haven't installed it yet.
 

07MegaCabRam

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Whatever the issue, let them know. They will replace. They have outstanding customer service.
 

UnsatFC

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Whatever the issue, let them know. They will replace. They have outstanding customer service.

Well that's not what I was told when I called. I'll try again tomorrow and see what happens.
 

crash68

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I could use some help, if anyone knows how to remove the deezee hardware after the ball breaks off I'm all ears..
Drill the rivnut out like you do to remove a rivet. You step up drill bit size till the head pops off, then you get to fish the back side out of the tailgate.
 

SitKneelBend

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Drill the rivnut out like you do to remove a rivet. You step up drill bit size till the head pops off, then you get to fish the back side out of the tailgate.
Thanks, any ideas on a better replacement? Any special bit I should use to drill it out?

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crash68

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You could try using a nut on the back of the ball mount but it's more work than it's worth. Get a new ball and rivnut and keep it lubed up.
 

Captain Bart

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This is not installer error, its chinesium. Call them and they will send you another ball stud mount.....Figuring out a better mousetrap is on the mechanic.

I called and was cheerfully greeted by a wonderful lady, who sent me "5" repalcement kits, without the cylinder. The NEW fix is a solid plate with welded ball stud. That plate is still affixed to the side of the TG, with a nutzert, it is just much more robust. The original ball studs would bend from constant use, and snap off. Drive out the old nut zert, fish it out by removing the inspection plate (T-27), and install a new nutzert, as proded. The new plate is as large as the plate that mounts to the bed side. Problem solved in 30 mins....thanks DEe Zee!!!! Amazing customer service.
 
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vhmike73

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Mine broke, but at the lower "socket" part of the strut. I have to call them to see what they'll do for mine.


20200814_152221.jpg 20200814_152228.jpg 20200814_152251.jpg
 

vhmike73

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The ball socket, just behind where the metal spring sits, cracked on both sides: the ball won't stay secure in the socket. The interesting part is that it pops off when I put the gate back up (sometimes)...so the next time I open the tailgate is a crapshoot about whether it will be damped or drop without resistance.
 

SitKneelBend

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Dodge 1500 4X4

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If I'm not mistaken it's not cracked, that is how it's designed. The spring clip that slides into those groves is what retains the ball mount. You can try bending that clip to better retain the ball.

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The Female plastic socket is split and the spring clip is buried between the split plastic housing.
 

BobSacomano

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Sounds like a cheap, sh&$+y part, but then so many people own one, you probably can't say that out loud because personal biases make those people clap back at you to avoid the cognitive dissonance of being a person who purchased a sh&$+y part.
 

SitKneelBend

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Sounds like a cheap, sh&$+y part, but then so many people own one, you probably can't say that out loud because personal biases make those people clap back at you to avoid the cognitive dissonance of being a person who purchased a sh&$+y part.
They improved the part several years ago with an updated design.

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Livinalittle

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Mine's pooched as well after a few years. I think it's just wear and tear.
I'm contemplating buying two more kits and installing on both sides but I'm not sure if it will be too much resistance.
 

JB1

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I put a dab of marine grease on the ball end at the brackets when I installed mine. Here’s a pic of mine with the new style lower mount.

342D6266-6ABF-46AC-8DDE-7847C64AE4CF.jpeg

C882D48F-4940-49F8-91E7-BF46719D08D1.jpeg
 
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