Removed the stripper pole!
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 721
Likes: 1
From: Floyd, Va
Removed the stripper pole!
I finally "Fixed" the most annoying thing on my truck that has been bothering me since new. I love the tailgate step, but the stupid handle sticking up in the middle had to go.
$90 to the ford dealer, and $5 in rustoleum paint and now I have a tailgate that functions like a tailgate should.
I realize that I could have saved a little by getting a panel from other places, but the salvage yard wanted $60 and I questioned the source of the part from the other places on the internet.
For those who have not done it yet, it is part # 9L3Z9943121A from Ford.
$90 to the ford dealer, and $5 in rustoleum paint and now I have a tailgate that functions like a tailgate should.
I realize that I could have saved a little by getting a panel from other places, but the salvage yard wanted $60 and I questioned the source of the part from the other places on the internet.
For those who have not done it yet, it is part # 9L3Z9943121A from Ford.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 85
From: penn twp.
So to be clear, you still have the tailgate step? Just not the handle. My truck has the tailgate step and I love it. With bad knees, it certainly makes getting in and out of the bed much easier. The handle placement is my only complaint as well. And even though it looks like an after thought, I won't get rid of it. Even though I rarely use the handle, it's nice having it there for stability getting down. Especially when my knees are really stiff and sore.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 21
So to be clear, you still have the tailgate step? Just not the handle. My truck has the tailgate step and I love it. With bad knees, it certainly makes getting in and out of the bed much easier. The handle placement is my only complaint as well. And even though it looks like an after thought, I won't get rid of it. Even though I rarely use the handle, it's nice having it there for stability getting down. Especially when my knees are really stiff and sore.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,054
Likes: 1,524
From: Maine, Virginia
I wish my truck had the step and the handle. I might have removed the handle as well but I would have mounted a grab handle to the rear pillar of the bed.
As it is now, I have to use a three step stool to walk up into my bed as I'm no longer 20 something either.
As it is now, I have to use a three step stool to walk up into my bed as I'm no longer 20 something either.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 721
Likes: 1
From: Floyd, Va
Yes, I only removed the handle. The tailgate looks like a normal tailgate but still has the step. I have ordered a weathertech tailgate mat to finish it out. I was loading equipment in my truck yesterday, it was so much easier. I love having a normal tailgate again!
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,946
Likes: 11
From: Northern California
I don't mind the pole in the tailgate as I have used it a few times to get in and out of the truck bed. The thing I don't like is that it sticks out when in the tailgate and everything you drag in and out of the bed scratches the pole. I know it's a truck but that has always bothered me.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
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
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
78 Ford F150 460
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
43
Apr 2, 2026 11:59 AM