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Did the tailgate strut change for 2024?

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TruckinThumper

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Trying to find a strut for the tailgate on my new 2024 and they all seem to be the external.

Is this the only option now?

1738080844392.png
 
Ram has a small strut that attaches to two Ball mounts on the Right side. Located behind and below the Tail Light. Part No. 68362518aa
RAM 2500 3500 STRUT DAMPER TAILGATE68362518aa
RAM 2500 3500 STRUT DAMPER TAILGATE68362518aa
 
TruckinThumper said:
Trying to find a strut for the tailgate on my new 2024 and they all seem to be the external.

Is this the only option now?
Click to expand...

No - you can get a Mopar strut that installs inside the tailgate. The part number you will need is 68362518AA. I got a 10% discount at my local dealer, and I think it cost me $56. A little pricey, but - to me - a better solution than adding an external strut.

You have to remove the passenger-side tail light, but the steel nubs (the mounting points for the strut) should be built in to your truck. The lower one is a bit of a PIA to click onto, but the whole job took 30 minutes; it will go faster in a warm garage ;). You only need one tool - a torx to remove a couple of screws on the inboard side of the tail light (I forget the torx size). NOTE: I did not disconnect the tail light. If you have a helper, they can hold it, or you can balance it carefully. Or you can disconnect it.

CAUTION: when removing the tail light, pull straight back - otherwise you will break the silly plastic tabs on the outboard side. You will want to pull more on the inboard side of the tail light - because you have better leverage on the inboard side - but do not pull more on the inboard side. Pull straight back. Its hard to get your finger-tips into the small gap between truck and tail light on the outboard side; maybe find an attractive assistant with small fingers.

Here is a photo posted by someone else on the forum. I think its okay if I re-post it. If not, someone can let me know. You can see the two rounded steel nubs that serve as the top and bottom mounting points for your Mopar strut. I don't remember why he added the red arrow. His post is here: Adding the OEM hidden tailgate strut to any trim.

Tailgate.jpg
 
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I installed the DeeZee strut (Amazon) on my 24 3500, I think I paid 30 bucks for it. Works just dandy, and if it ever fails/wears out, a replacement is easy and cheap.
 
ErikTheRed said:
I installed the DeeZee strut (Amazon) on my 24 3500, I think I paid 30 bucks for it. Works just dandy, and if it ever fails/wears out, a replacement is easy and cheap.
Click to expand...
I've had the DeeZee on my 2018 for about 7 years and it's still working just like the day I installed it. ( knock on wood...)
 
ErikTheRed said:
I installed the DeeZee strut (Amazon) on my 24 3500, I think I paid 30 bucks for it. Works just dandy, and if it ever fails/wears out, a replacement is easy and cheap.
Click to expand...
Same with the OEM one but you don’t have to drill into your tailgate and it is quick to change too. Plus the deezee one is pretty slow I much prefer the OEM one
 
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H3LZSN1P3R said:
Plus the deezee one is pretty slow I much prefer the OEM one
Click to expand...
Are you in THAT much of a hurry? LOL

Truth be told, when I bought and installed the DeeZee, I didn't realize (nor did I investigate) using the OEM was an option. I just saw the nifty thing on Amazon and it had good reviews, so I bought it. It works just fine for me but yeah, I do suppose the OEM would be better if for no other reason than its hidden. The DeeZee isn't at all intrusive, but invisible is better.
 
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