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: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
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 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
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
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