Tailgate helper spring

[Mastiff]

A long time ago when I changed my rear bumper from stock, I lost the helper spring (spring steel bent metal rod thingy) that takes some of the load off when opening and closing the gate. I'd sure like to have that functionality back these days. The gate is heavy and always requires two hands to open/close. Is there a way to do this with a non-factory bumper?

 

[Hubnut]

Yeah. I kept my helper springs with my winch bumper. I allowed for an opening in the back to accept the spring "hook." It also provides room for hardware access.

 

[Desert Rat]

I made the huge mistake as well of removing mine when I installed my 4x4 Iron rear bumper. I now wish I would have kept it and fabbed something up to keep it functional. Lifting my tailgate without it, especially with the Line-X on it, is a bitch. And, LMC doesn't carry it. If you find somewhere to order one, let me know other wise it's off to the Pick n Pull for me.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Classic Chevy & GMC truck parts carry those springs. www.classicparts.com their part number is 11-363 but it is only a left side and they don't show one for the right side.

 

[Desert Rat]

I only remember there being one. Was there two?

 

[4X4HIGH]

I only remember there being one. Was there two?

I'm pretty sure there is a spring on both sides of my tailgate.

Yep, just went out and checked, there is a spring on both sides.

 

[Desert Rat]

I think I will order the left side parts from Classic Parts and probably have to source the rest from a junkyard. Having one side should help a little but both would be much better. I used to have an account with that company back when it was called Chevy Duty. Can you snap a pic of what it looks like where it attaches to the bumper? If I recall, wasn't there some kind of round knob type goodie that it hooked to? My memory is fuzzy on it. And, if anybody has their old parts laying around and wants to find a new home, I'm game. It looks like based upon the Classic Parts description that the design remained the same up to 1991.