Do the Installation Holes of the Hopkins Tailgate Lift Assist Kit Get Bigger Over Time

Updated 04/30/2020 | Published 09/21/2014

Question:

I am concerned that through repeated use, the holes that must be drilled will eventually wallow out thus becoming too big, not fully supporting the torsion bar. What if anything keeps this from happening?

asked by: W. F

Expert Reply:

What prevents the installation holes of the Tailgate EasyLift # 74211 from getting worn out over time is that there isn't really any friction in the holes when the tailgate is being opened and closed so the holes do not wear out or get larger. We have been selling this product for a long time and haven't had any customers come back with the issue you have described.

We also have had follow up reviews on this product after a year of use and they were still working well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Ray L.

4/26/2020

I have a Hopkins Tailgate Lift on my 2002 chev 1500 but it is now18 years old and their is not much help with lifting the gate. Is it possible that it has either broken inside or has lost its strength? If I replace it I have to get the old one out but I have lost the instructions over the years. Do I have to remove the tailgate to get this rod out of the gate and side of truck? Thanks

Chris R.

4/28/2020

While I do think the EasyLift lasts longer than other similar products, 18 years is a long time - it's likely that something has either been damaged on the unit or it's simply lost some strength. To replace the unit (for hopefully another 18 years) you can use part # 74211. Removing the existing bar would indeed require you to remove the tailgate itself. Once that's out of the way it should just be a matter of unbolting the brackets, etc. The new system will come with a new instructions manual as well.

Ray L.

4/28/2020

Thanks