Epsilon Plus
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This thread is for adding the OEM tailgate strut/damper to any trim that doesn't have it. Many of the searches bring up the aftermarket Deezee type stuff, but the best (IMO) way to do this cheap and easy mod is to use the hidden OEM version.
The part number you will need is 68362518AA
As of this writing, I found mine from a MOPAR parts dealer online for $26.71. $36.14 shipped.
The "nubs" or strut mounts are on every 19+ RAM HD regardless of trim and are found behind the passenger taillight (see picture).
Some notes about the taillight to prevent damage:
Just know that when you take the screws off that face the tailgate cables, the taillight then pulls directly back towards the rear and slides off two button tabs fixed to the bed. Don't put a lot of outward twist on the light toward the right (if your facing towards the front of the truck) or these will break and you'll be sad.
Here is a picture from another thread (that also shows the two mounting "nubs"). Notice how behind the red arrow, the fastener channel is a half circle. This is the lower mount, there's also an upper. You can see how it needs to be drawn straight back to remove and to install, pushed forward to seat the "front" of the taillight before putting the screws back in.
There is an arrow on the strut to tell you which end needs to be oriented UP and fastened on the top nub. Snapping on the lower nub of the OEM strut is easier from underneath the truck. Your hand will fit up into a space and you'll feel it (even though it looks like you can't access it from underneath in the picture). I put the strut on the top nub first then climbed under to extend the strut and snap it on the lower nub.
After it's on, re-install the taillight and grab your tailgate "button" release and watch the magic. Because our tailgates all have a button/switch style release, it is possible that after adding this strut you can get (or program yourself with AlphaOBD) a remote tailgate release key fob. I haven't looked into adding the overhead console button, but knowing RAM, the wiring is probably there and you just need to get the right switch panel. The FOB or console button does the same as your finger and just activates the tailgate release switch, and the strut does the work of letting it down soft. Perhaps anyone who's added the FOB or console switch can add to this thread and all info will be contained in an easy to search/find format. I may do the FOB/console upgrades myself so if I do I'll add more here.
Hope any of this helps. Thanks to all the members posts that I learned this all from. Cheers.
The part number you will need is 68362518AA
As of this writing, I found mine from a MOPAR parts dealer online for $26.71. $36.14 shipped.
The "nubs" or strut mounts are on every 19+ RAM HD regardless of trim and are found behind the passenger taillight (see picture).
Some notes about the taillight to prevent damage:
Just know that when you take the screws off that face the tailgate cables, the taillight then pulls directly back towards the rear and slides off two button tabs fixed to the bed. Don't put a lot of outward twist on the light toward the right (if your facing towards the front of the truck) or these will break and you'll be sad.
Here is a picture from another thread (that also shows the two mounting "nubs"). Notice how behind the red arrow, the fastener channel is a half circle. This is the lower mount, there's also an upper. You can see how it needs to be drawn straight back to remove and to install, pushed forward to seat the "front" of the taillight before putting the screws back in.
There is an arrow on the strut to tell you which end needs to be oriented UP and fastened on the top nub. Snapping on the lower nub of the OEM strut is easier from underneath the truck. Your hand will fit up into a space and you'll feel it (even though it looks like you can't access it from underneath in the picture). I put the strut on the top nub first then climbed under to extend the strut and snap it on the lower nub.
After it's on, re-install the taillight and grab your tailgate "button" release and watch the magic. Because our tailgates all have a button/switch style release, it is possible that after adding this strut you can get (or program yourself with AlphaOBD) a remote tailgate release key fob. I haven't looked into adding the overhead console button, but knowing RAM, the wiring is probably there and you just need to get the right switch panel. The FOB or console button does the same as your finger and just activates the tailgate release switch, and the strut does the work of letting it down soft. Perhaps anyone who's added the FOB or console switch can add to this thread and all info will be contained in an easy to search/find format. I may do the FOB/console upgrades myself so if I do I'll add more here.
Hope any of this helps. Thanks to all the members posts that I learned this all from. Cheers.
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