Stolen tailgate
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
A lot of trucks get tail gates pulled off for work caps or other reasons.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,152
Likes: 4
I live in tampa florida and yea people here will steal them quick either for their truck (especially the new style tailgates, and especially especially the new ones with the built in ladder thing), or like said above, for scrap. I keep the one on my 04 locked, it's not a new 08+ style, and has a few small dings, but someone will still grab it if they're looking for one...and they aren't cheap to replace, even the old model ones. So when not in use, mine is ALWAYS locked. Sorry to hear yours got stolen. Hopefully insurance will help you out.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 74
From: Houston TEXAS
It's got a little sticker on each body panel that says it's traceable and the vin and/or serial number is hidden somewhere on the panel.
I think they even said it was invisible except with a special light maybe?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
If the scavengers are talking it any tailgate is on their list not just Ford.
As far as the stock lock is concerned it usually is enough because they look for the quick grab opportunity they don't want to mess with trying to bust the lock draw attention to them.
As far as the stock lock is concerned it usually is enough because they look for the quick grab opportunity they don't want to mess with trying to bust the lock draw attention to them.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
True enough, what I was wondering if there was a change in how easily the tailgate was removed over the years or, if it differs between models. Granted it never took much as I recall it's just a 1/2" socket or something like that. What a bunch of D-bags.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 43
From: Land of Taxes
12-1500 for take offs and nearly 2K at the stealership new for a lift assist tail gate. Place on line sells the lift assist shell for 6+, that's painted to match and delivered. Less for a regular tailgate about 4-7 hung. I just happen to have a beat up lift assist with all good internals except for the top plastic so Im thinking of pulling the trigger as I do miss the lift assist.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Thanks guys, yep, I get the joy of paying a $500 deductible and hassle of getting the new tailgate. I'd never heard of aftermarket tailgate locks. Been looking online now that I know. Is anyone using the power locks? It looks like the most convenient option to me. How hard to install and connect the wiring?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 74
From: Houston TEXAS
Easy to install both. Wiring was easy. Tailgate electronically locks/unlocks like it should have from the factory.
The assist shock makes it drop nice and smooth. No more slamming open or having to manually lower it by hand. Just pull the handle and let go.
That seller was the cheapest I found at the time and shipped super fast too.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16,275
Likes: 402
From: Odessa, Delaware
Sure would be nice! My wife's Equinox has the VIN on every door, hood, hatch, and even the glass.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,152
Likes: 4
Thanks guys, yep, I get the joy of paying a $500 deductible and hassle of getting the new tailgate. I'd never heard of aftermarket tailgate locks. Been looking online now that I know. Is anyone using the power locks? It looks like the most convenient option to me. How hard to install and connect the wiring?