Try as I might I cannot get the blasted tailgate strut out of the socket in order to change it out. Any tips/tricks/tool suggestions?

Theirs a pin the secures the ball to the socket. It should swivel around and then just pullout.

Hope this helps,

Ron J

Ditto what Ron J wrote--and---even when the lock pin is out they can sometimes be difficult to pop off--a bit a spray lube or oil can make all the difference (as per recent experience). -- Dave

Thanks...my issue seems to be that I cannot get a decent grip on the silver part in order to unscrew it...guess I'll grease the inside up again and keep trying.

I re-read your message and it looks like you are trying to remove the socket from the old strut. Grab the old strut shaft in a vice and stick a 1/4" (5/16"?) rod in the socket.

Greg

Don't remove the ball.

The tailgate end of the strut mounts on a pin, held on with a flat spring clip. The body end of the strut is a socket that fits over a ball mounted to the body. The socket is retained with a pin. The pin has a curved end to keep it from falling out. Look at the back of the socket closely. Unclip the curved end and pull the pin out.

If your struts are not like this, post a picture.

Greg

Thanks. I forgot about that pin. Once I got it out, I removed the whole arm and was able to get the strut off. Success!