The aluminum hood is lighter than steel, but most likely it is thicker gauge and should have less flex. The steel roof panel on your truck flexes like a trampoline. If Dodge would have heat treated the hood, it would be very hard. Audi does this with their aluminum body panels with great results.

 

i guessed it was spring loaded like alot of the newer trucks, never researched it though

 

tailgate does have lift assist.