tailgate removal
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Tuned
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 292
Likes: 21
tailgate removal
I have a 2007 F150 XLT. I CANNOT GET THE TAILGATE OFF! The passenger side comes off the hinge at a 45 degree angle no problem. I've read and read and the driver's side SHOULD just slide out with the gate barely open. Please help!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 18
I took mine off once when I had to drive about 75 miles to pick up my brother at an airport. I drove the truck because i wanted to see what kind of mileage i could get and I took off the TG to reduce resistance. Taking the thing off was a PITA plus its heavy as hell. I decided to do this because the road is on a coastal plain, smooth and mostly straight with a 60 MPH limit - perfect for a mileage run. But it was tough getting the tailgate off even going step by step with the manual. Just do what the owner's manual says and it should come out.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 292
Likes: 21
Thanks. I am following the owner's manual, but it won't budge. I can't remove the bolts that hold the pivot on because I can't get to the bottom star bolt. Plus, those bolts are very difficult to remove. Something has to be binding in the driver's side pivot, but I can't get that side out. I have to be somewhat mindful of the paint and body as the pickup is in good shape. I don't want to damage anything.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 8
The tailgate on my 2006 F150 was getting rusty at the bottom so I decided to change it. Like you fellas the passenger side would come out easily but the drivers side wouldn’t. I ended up cutting the hinge cup on the tailgate just enough to release it. The dang thing was rusted in place. I made sure the replacement was clean and well greased before I installed it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 31
From: Winnipeg
True that. I fought for an hour one day trying to get the tailgate off the non-45° hinge. Lots of penetrating oil and working the gate until the built up crap would loosen up.
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MDSavage
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jan 23, 2013 07:39 AM
