Unknown Tailgate Bracket
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 147
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From: Porter, TX
Unknown Tailgate Bracket
Probably a repeated question, but can anyone out there definitively tell me wha tthe heck is the additional bracket on the bottom right of my tailgate? It looks like a side to side limiter, but does it serve a real purpose? I want to remove it so taht I can install an LED light bar, but this thing is in the way. What am I going to hurt by removing it?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 147
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From: Porter, TX
I failed to mention this is on a 2012 F-250.
**UPDATE** I pulled the bracket off the bed and the tailgate so that I could install my new 60" light bar. I can't tell one bit of difference, so not sure what bracket was intended to do...
There is a small hole in the lower part of the bed that looks like maybe the engineers were working with some sort of auto actuator for the tailgate?
**UPDATE** I pulled the bracket off the bed and the tailgate so that I could install my new 60" light bar. I can't tell one bit of difference, so not sure what bracket was intended to do...
There is a small hole in the lower part of the bed that looks like maybe the engineers were working with some sort of auto actuator for the tailgate?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
Isn't there an tailgate assist lift on a 2012 that helps close the gate? I saw all that 'stuff' on the tailgate hinge area a 2012 at the dealer, but didn't study it closely at the time.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 147
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From: Porter, TX
Yes, the tailgate assist is built in to the hinge slot cup on the left side hinge. This bracket is on the right hand side on the bottom. These just seem to be some type of alignment guide, but the gate is functioning perfect without it. I'm an engineer, so it's just bugging me to not know what it was for, but it's gone now...will post again if I see a problem.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 370
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From: Central Colorado
My '08 F-250 has that same bracket and I have wondered the same thing. What does it do?
Good to know that removing it seems to have no effect on the tailgate operation.
Good to know that removing it seems to have no effect on the tailgate operation.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Porter, TX
Would LOVE to post pics if someone could come up with an easy way to do it without having to use a third party application...sorry.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 147
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From: Porter, TX
Update
I pulled my bracket off to install the 60" LED light bar and have had no issues since. My tailgate has ZERO side to side movement without the bracket and does not rattle. Still don't know what the bracket was for, but it isn't necessary and my LED light looks awesome!
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
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I pulled my bracket off to install the 60" LED light bar and have had no issues since. My tailgate has ZERO side to side movement without the bracket and does not rattle. Still don't know what the bracket was for, but it isn't necessary and my LED light looks awesome!
Now I get to find out how much a tailgate with the built in step and pole weighs!
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 35
From: South Carolina
To simply attach an image, I think you need to be a paid supporter. See the Go Premium! tab for what is involved.
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