Ford Genuine FL3Z-99406A10-A Tailgate Shock Assembly

Worked as intended smooth quiet soft open tailgate. Love it's hidden in the taillight and not exposed like the aftermarket ones. Install years ago and never a problem worth considering. easy to install

My first car in the 60's was a 1966 Mustang 2+2 Fastback with a Hi-Po 271 HP 289 cu. in. engine and a 4-speed on the floor. I added lots of OEM Ford parts, such as the Rally-Pac, which upgraded my Mustang to a GT at a much cheaper cost.Since then I have used the same approach with almost every vehicle I have owned. Add premium package components to a lesser package by cherry-picking the best of the higher packages without all of the junk. For example, I am not a fan of pass-through rear windows which is just an easy entry point for thieves. Unfortunately, most of Ford's higher levels of F-150 trim include this and other things that I don't like.So, I have been adding the best stuff from higher F-150 option packages, such as this Tailgate Damper Kit by Ford. My wife and I installed it in under an hour, including time spent finding the tools. We left the tailgate on, resting it on moving blankets stacked on top of a camping chair with a side table. (Thanks to all who suggested this method vs removing the tailgate.) I outlined the original bracket with a fine-point permanent marker, then removed the two taillight screws with a 5/16" combo wrench. We used a wide nylon trim removal tool to push the taillight straight rearward. This really was an improvement over other methods- my light was snapped in really tight and would not budge.Next, we removed the bracket with a 3/8" drive T50 Torx bit which worked, but if you can find a 1/2" drive Torx bit it would work better. The pinkish-red locking compound Ford uses made it a little tough to remove the two bolts, but they released with a fair amount of force. The new bracket is black and the instructions suggested painting it to match the truck body color. My F-150 is white and the striker bolts and lots of other parts are already black, so I just left it black and it looks fine to me. Installing the bracket was easy, placing it inside the permanent marker line drawn earlier and reinstalling the bolts. This maintains the tailgate panel gap spacing when closed and also keeps the tailgate from jamming up when opening and closing. I didn't use any locking compound on the bracket bolts and they seem very tight. I'll check the bolts in six months and use Loctite if they loosen up.This Ford Tailgate Shock Kit doesn't completely dampen the tailgate fall, but the opening doesn't feel out of control anymore either. My wife and I are both happy with the results and recommend this genuine Ford kit over the cheaper external shock kits (which get in the way of loading/unloading items and are just one more thing to disconnect when removing the tailgate.)

Ford should be installing this on every F-150. The hinge comes painted black so you will have to find some spray paint if you want to color match. The install instructions are not very good so I'll summarize the process for a 19' F-150.1. Remove the two silver bolts in the tailgate jamb, these hold the right taillight in place. Slide the taillight out towards the back of the vehicle, there are two plastic posts that hold the front of the light in place and another in the back near the bolt mounts. You may need a bit of force to get it started, just be sure to pull the light out parallel to the vehicle or you will break the posts.2. Unplug the taillight harness and set the light aside in a safe place.3. Get a small table, sawhorse or something similar to hold the right side of the tailgate when in the down position. Whatever you use, put a blanket or pad on top to protect the tailgate paint.4. Remove the right side cable from the bed post. There is a clip that easily allows you to do this. The left side cable will keep the gate from going any lower than it should but don't put any extra pressure on it at this point.5. Get your table or sawhorse in place. Move the tailgate to appx. 1/2 down position. You will see on the right hand hinge a slot lines up which allows you to pull the tailgate away from the bed mounted hinge. This gives you the room you need to unbolt the existing hinge. Two things: you can remove the entire tailgate by pulling the gate away from the left hinge, but only if you don't have an electronic gate lock. Otherwise you have a wire harness running through the middle of the tailgate that will prevent complete removal. Lay the right side of the disconnected gate on your support, being careful not to disconnect the left side hinge. Be careful not to put pressure on the tailgate as it sits on the support or you could dent the metal.6. Use the recommended torx bit to remove the two torx bolts. They have loctite on them so it will take some effort. A 1/2" ratchet or breaker bar is recommended. Remove the existing hinge and replace with new one. Connect the included strut to the ball end on the new hinge and bed behind where the taillight mounts.7. Remainder of installation is the reverse of the above. There is a bit of play In the hinge mount, so your right side cable may be loose when everything is back together. If so, the hinge can be loosened and adjusted down to correct. Good luck!

Factory part so hidden behind taillight. Factory attach points are there even on XLT. Just swap the Factory hinge out for this one. Note it's black so unless you have a black truck it won't match but you don't really see the hinges unless you look in the crack for them. Completely hidden when tailgate is closed.

The media could not be loaded. Bought this a replacement for my current damper assembly. Super easy install. Tools needed are an 8mm socket to remove the tail light and a T50 torx bit to remove the arm assembly.

Bought this to not have to try to hold the tailgate when opening it. Took about a half hour to install and it works like a champ. Great addition to the truck

Good product. Decided to go with the OEM Ford device. Installation was straight forward.Torque bolts were tight all the way out. Lock-tighter in.*Mark the original with a marker then change out to new one. There is some play adjustment for the tailgate. Best if you get it straight the first try. *The torque bolt holes will get scratched. Touch up with paint or nail polish.