If you’re tired of your tailgate slamming down every time your hands are full, adding a dampening shock is one of the easiest, most practical upgrades you can make to a GMT900 truck. I picked up the Orion Motor Tech (OMT) Pickup Tailgate Lift Assist Kit off Amazon and put it through a full install and test on my 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. Here is the honest breakdown of how it went, what tools you need, and a key tip to make sure it stays secure.Key Takeaways & Overall RatingEase of Install: 4.5 / 5 (Takes under 20 minutes with basic hand tools)Performance: 5 / 5 (Smooth, controlled drop—no more tailgate slam)Value: Excellent price point on Amazon compared to higher-priced name brandsFull Video Install: Watch on YouTubeTools You’ll NeedBefore you start, grab these tools so you don't have to keep running back to the toolbox:10mm ratcheting wrench (for the blind nut tool) [02:54]5mm hex key (for holding the blind nut screw) [03:01]13mm socket or wrench (for removing the factory tailgate cable bolt) [05:50]4mm hex key (for the lower mounting bracket bolt) [08:46]Rag and gloves (for threadlocker and grease) [09:07]Installation Highlights & NotesSetting the Blind Nut Tool [01:11] The instructions provided in the box aren't super clear on this, but you want to measure out roughly 3/4 inch from the bottom of the washer to the end of the screw before setting the blind nut [01:48]. Thread the nut down flush against the washer, insert it into the driver-side factory hole, hold the 5mm hex still, and tighten with your 10mm wrench until the blind nut expands and seats tight [03:21].Mounting the Upper Cable Bracket [06:02] Remove the driver-side tailgate cable bolt with a 13mm socket [06:02]. Slide the new upper mounting plate under the cable fitting, reinstall the bolt, and tighten it down snug [07:37].Installing the Lower Bracket [08:26] Line up the lower bracket over your newly set blind nut [08:30]. Use the included 4mm hex bolt to secure it. Important tip below on threadlocker!Snapping on the Shock [10:52] The fat end of the shock mounts to the upper ball mount [10:52], and the thin end snaps onto the lower bracket ball mount [12:06]. It comes pre-greased, so have a rag ready to wipe away any excess [12:31].Pro Tip: Don't Be Shy with the Threadlocker [13:02]After cycling the tailgate a few times during initial testing, I noticed the 4mm bolt holding the lower bracket backed out slightly [13:07].When you install this lower bolt, don't be conservative with the included blue threadlocker [13:15]. Apply a nice, full bead across the threads before torquing it down tight [13:20]. Letting that threadlocker set up properly keeps the bracket locked in place and prevents any slop over time.Final VerdictFor a quick DIY project that costs very little time or money, the OMT Tailgate Assist delivers exactly what it promises. The tailgate opens with a smooth, slow drop [12:45] and completely eliminates the harsh slam when carrying gear or coolers with one hand.If you want to see every step in detail, check out the full installation video here:Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAmUfR6Bwkw
Easy on Your Hands: Even hands free, this tailgate shock safely and smoothly controls the drop rate of your pickup's tailgate, making it safer and easier to useEasy on Your Truck: This heavy-duty accessory doesn’t just make life easier for you and yours. It also eliminates the strain and shock caused by free falling tailgates, extending the service life of the entire back end of your vehicleFast & Easy to Install: With clear color instructions, this tailgate assist will be out of our box and working on your truck within minutes. Requires M4 & M5 Allen wrenches and 10 & 13 mm wrenches, but no drilling or tail-light removal requiredSpecifically designed for use with all Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra models from 2008 to 2019 and with most 2007 modelsRest Easy: This will be the only tailgate shock your truck will ever need. Tested and durable, corrosion-resistant and rattle-free