For anyone looking to get rid of the step handle, I did this mod on mine and it was a direct fit...take off old liner and unbolt handle, then get a liner from a non-step tailgate and it is a direct fit:

 

I have been giving this some serious thought. I do use the step, but seldom do I make use of the stripper pole in the climbing process.

 

wana sell me the cover and step?

 

His step is still there........

 

yeh, I retained the step and the cover and handle is already sold

 

Is there just two bolts on the bottom of the plain, non-step tailgate liner? Thanks

 

I have thought about getting rid of the handle myself. I use the step all the time but not the handle.

 

I meant wanta sell me the liner and assist handle? I bought a complete lift assist gate off line last year. Unfortunately FedEx dropped it off to my house from 30,000 feet above. Its damaged beyond use. So I have a gate that has most of the internals intact. My plan is to purchase the shell painted to match on line. Then transfer the good parts off the damaged gate. The top 3 plastic pieces are shot and the liner is shot on the damaged gate. The lift handle isnt exactly pristine either. The previous owner sure used the gate good. The step mechanics are ok too just top plastic is shot. Those pieces are available through ford. By the time Im done I could probably purchase a new TO gate and have it painted. Ironically this trucks window sticker calls out the lift assist option. So the original owner got screwed. It had the bed extenders too which is part of the package. Someone was sleeping on the line that day.