What's up with the little nub hanging off the tailgate?

 

Not sure what you're referring to. Got a pic?

 

 

I've read that's it's a safety in case your tailgate cables break. My '05 XLT did not have one. My current '07 FX4 does not have one either. However, there is a place to put one on. I'm not 100% sure, but I think it is removable with a couple bolts.

 

I believe that to be the counterweight shaft to ease tailgate operation. I could be wrong but there is a counterweight for the tailgate on mine.

 

I have tailgate assist on mine. It is a torsion bar within the tailgate itself.