Buying Guide
Picking the best tailgate shock lift supports requires matching a damper’s reference number and length to your truck’s hinge geometry, rather than choosing by brand alone. The following sections walk through the most important specification differences across the picks above.
Match Fitment by Year and Body Style
Tailgate assist shocks are vehicle-specific, and mixing generations is the single most common fitment mistake. Each pick in this list documents at least one OE reference number or year range, so use those to confirm the exact body style before ordering. For example, the 2007 Silverado and Sierra trucks come in two distinct bodies: the Classic body from the 1999-2006 generation and the newer GMT900/K2RC body introduced that same year. Many assist shocks, such as the A-Premium DZ43102 unit, exclude Classic models altogether, while the A-Premium DZ43100 reference explicitly covers them. Always recheck the trim exclusions noted in product copy, such as the 2005 Silverado 1500 WT and Z71 Off-Road models called out by the A-Premium DZ43100 pickup. For Dodge applications, body styles shift again around the 2009 model year, so the Aeagle 09-24 Ram unit and the A-Premium 02-09 Ram unit will not interchange.
Verify Build Material and Rod Finish
Tailgate assist shocks work in a corrosive environment next to road salt, mud, and washer fluid. Material specifications matter when comparing shocks with otherwise similar fitment. The Orion Motor Tech shock for 08-19 Silverado/Sierra documents a structural-grade 45 steel core with an electroplated finish, while several A-Premium listings document a high-strength leak-proof piston seal and a corrosion-resistant rod finish. Rod finish is the surface that slides in and out during every drop, so any mention of plating or corrosion resistance tends to be more meaningful than generic references to “high-quality steel.”
Check OE Reference Numbers
Almost every automotive tailgate assist shock can be traced to a single OE reference such as DZ43100, DZ43102, or DZ43300. The picks in this guide are organized around those references, making it easier to confirm a match when shopping. When the OE reference is paired with a second OEM-style number such as SG226029 on the OTUAYAUTO SUV pair, you can cross-reference against the existing sticker on your original strut to confirm compatibility. Reference coverage is also a useful sanity check when the same truck comes in multiple configurations, because GM and Ram frequently shared part numbers across a wide model range.
Install Method and Hardware
Tailgate assist shocks are designed for a no-drilling install on most supported trucks, but the included hardware varies widely between brands. Hardware-bundled kits, such as the Youxmoto 07-17 Silverado/Sierra HD unit, explicitly list a top ball mount plate, bottom ball mount plate, bolt, and blind nut tool in the package. Simpler single-strut listings, such as the A-Premium DZ43102, document installation hardware but stop short of listing every plate. Tools typically called out are a flat-head screwdriver for older Classic-body installs or an M4, M5, 10mm, and 13mm wrench set for newer GMT900/K2RC installs on the Orion Motor Tech model. If your tailgate mounts use blind rivet nuts, plan on having a blind nut tool ready before starting.
Cylinder, Piston, and Sealing Details
A tailgate shock lifts the panel partway and then meters the descent, so the internal piston seal is the part most likely to fail first. Listings that document leak-proof piston seals, wear-resistant hydraulic fluid, or 50,000+ cycle testing tend to be more specific about durability than those that simply say “high quality.” When a spec sheet describes compression and extended lengths such as the 21-inch extended / 13-inch compressed numbers on the OTUAYAUTO power-liftgate pair, treat those as a hard requirement, because an undersized strut will not slow the drop and an oversized one can hang the tailgate.
Warranty and Sealing Coverage
A limited or one-year unlimited-mileage warranty is documented on multiple A-Premium entries and on the Aeagle Classic-body shock, while Youxmoto and SCITOO rely more on hardware inclusion than long warranty language. Warranty terms do not change drop performance, but they do help you judge whether a manufacturer is willing to back its sealing claims. When the same manufacturer publishes both a piston-seal description and a multi-year guarantee, that combination usually points to a more deliberate sealing design.
Drop Rate and Cable Compatibility
Tailgate assist shocks are designed to work in conjunction with the factory cables, not replace them. Several listings explicitly call out that the damper works with the existing cable setup, including the Youxmoto 07-17 Silverado/Sierra HD and the Youxmoto 99-06 Classic-body kit. Replacing the assist without inspecting the cables can result in a tailgate that still drops too fast, because the damper only meters the last 30 percent of travel on most trucks. If your cables are stretched or frayed, plan to replace them at the same time for a controlled descent.
Final Recommendation
Orion Motor Tech Tailgate Assist Shock for 08-19 Silverado/Sierra ranks first overall in this specification-based comparison under the published weighted criteria.
The final choice among the best tailgate shock lift supports depends on the documented features that match your intended use.
After weighing fitment, build material, install hardware, and OE reference coverage, the A-Premium DZ43102 unit for 2007-2019 Silverado and Sierra trucks ranks as the top tailgate shock lift supports choice in this comparison because it spans the largest late-model GM half-ton and heavy-duty fitment window with a documented OE reference and no-drilling install hardware. For older 1999-2006 Chevy or GMC Classic-body trucks, the A-Premium DZ43100 reference offers a direct match with a stated unlimited-mileage warranty, while Dodge Ram owners should size by generation, choosing the A-Premium DZ43300 for 2002-2009 platforms or the Aeagle 09-24 unit for 2009 and newer trucks. Hardware-bundle seekers can favor the Youxmoto kits, which explicitly list the ball mount plates and tools needed for installation. Across these top tailgate shock lift supports, confirming the OE reference and body-style exclusions in the listing copy is the single best way to avoid a return.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a tailgate shock and a tailgate lift support?
A tailgate shock is usually a one-way damper that slows the tailgate as it falls, while a tailgate lift support typically refers to a gas-charged strut that helps lift and hold the panel in place. On pickup trucks, the assist shock that meters the drop is the more common design, because cables already handle the lifting work. On SUV rear hatches, the gas-charged lift supports serve both roles.
How many tailgate assist shocks does a truck need?
Most pickup trucks only require a single tailgate assist shock mounted on the driver’s side, as called out in multiple listings in this guide including the Youxmoto 99-06 kit and the Aeagle 09-24 Ram unit. The OE design assumes one strut is enough to meter the last portion of the travel when paired with factory cables.
Can a tailgate assist shock be installed without drilling?
Yes, every pickup-tailgate assist shock in this guide documents a no-drilling installation, with some listings such as the Orion Motor Tech 08-19 Silverado/Sierra unit also confirming no taillight removal. The hardware bundle typically includes the ball mount plates, bolts, or blind nuts needed to reuse existing mounting points, while tools such as a flat-head screwdriver or a small wrench set are still required.
What OEM reference numbers should I check before buying one of the best tailgate shock lift supports?
For GM applications, the most common references are DZ43100 for older 1999-2006 trucks and DZ43102 for newer 2007-2019 trucks, both of which appear in this list. For Dodge Ram applications, DZ43300 covers the 2002-2009 generation, while 2009-2024 Ram trucks use a different reference covered by the Aeagle 09-24 listing. Cross-referencing your existing strut label with these numbers is the fastest way to confirm compatibility before ordering the best tailgate shock lift supports for your truck.
Will a tailgate assist shock drain my battery or affect the truck’s electronics?
No. Every pickup-tailgate assist shock in this comparison is a passive mechanical damper and contains no motors, sensors, or wiring that would interact with the truck’s electrical system. The power-liftgate struts on SUV applications such as the OTUAYAUTO pair do connect to a motorized drive, but those are a different product category designed for vehicles with a powered liftgate.
