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Unknown Tailgate Bracket

Old Sep 18, 2012 | 02:16 PM
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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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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 08:22 AM
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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?
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 09:37 AM
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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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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 08:27 PM
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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.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 10:01 PM
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It limits side to side movement. the more heavy duty trucks have them. Ive seen them especially on newer duallys, and f350s. Some f250s dont have them, altought the holes for it are there.
 
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Old Sep 25, 2012 | 06:13 AM
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A picture would be helpful.
 
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Old Sep 25, 2012 | 06:55 AM
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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.
 
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Old Sep 25, 2012 | 07:04 AM
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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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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 12:57 PM
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Did anyone ever come up with an explanation of what this bracket is for? I am installing a 60" light bar and this bracket is in the way; removing it would be great.
If the truck doesn't then fall apart, that is.
 
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 03:42 PM
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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!
 
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by 07 F250 Aggie Mobile
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!
Then I'll do the same; sure makes the install neater and easier.
Now I get to find out how much a tailgate with the built in step and pole weighs!
 
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by 07 F250 Aggie Mobile
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.
Using a 3rd party hosting site like Photobucket, or even Facebook, is pretty easy. Right click on the pic, select properties to get its URL, and then use the image tool or [img] tags to insert it.

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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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 04:41 PM
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Get Help

Get help, you'll need it, it is pretty heavy. Good Luck
 
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Old Dec 10, 2012 | 08:43 PM
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Originally Posted by 07 F250 Aggie Mobile
Get help, you'll need it, it is pretty heavy. Good Luck
Thanks - I'll draft one of my sons to help.
 
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