3rd gen tailgate slow drop assist mechanism

Does anybody know the mechanism/part that allows your tailgate to drop slowly on the 3rd Gen Tacomas? Is it something which I am able to easily replace myself?

The tailgate on my 2016 seems to be going bad, in the sense that the tailgate now drops with force instead of being let down gently. I want to fix it with OEM parts, as opposed to installing an aftermarket strut.

 

That would be the damper. You need to remove the bumper to get access to the nut that holds it in place on the bed cross sill.

 

Actually, I may have mispoke above. You may be able to access the damper by removing the passenger side tail light cluster. If so, it would be a pretty easy job.

 

Read this. Toyota changed the damper design. You have the 2016. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/broken-tailgate-damper-rubber-grommet.467984/

 

True. The problem may not be the damper itself, but rather the bushing that creates the interface between the hinge on the tailgate and the damper.

 

Did we ever find a non dealer fix or a part number?

 

Subd

 

Has anyone changed the actual damper mechanism? My bushing seems ok. 2017 Sport

 

Sorry, old post, but has anyone changed the dumper?

The plastic bushing on mine seems to be ok, but more importantly, there’s some oil/residue leaking from the mechanism, I think that helps it narrow it down the problem pretty good in my case.

So has anyone changed it, remove tail light or bumper? And what/where to get the part

TIA

 

For the 5' bed: #12 "67289-04010" https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/v-2017-toyota-tacoma--trd-off-road--3-5l-v6-gas/body--tailgate

 

Haven't changed the damper, but here's a dumper for you

 

Lmao

 

Thanks man.

Uh, mines a 6’ bed, but can’t see that would make a difference, does it?

 

I couldn't tell what chassis you have. Looks like you are calling the parts department of the dealer of your choice to verify if it fits the 6' bed.