Tailgate step removal
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Tailgate step removal
I have a 2018 F250 that came with the tailgate step. Neither of us use it and we are getting up in our age where it is starting to get harder to close. I want to keep the tailgate because we have unique lettering. I understand how to remove the steps but cannot find how to fill in the void or if it is even possible
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 837
Likes: 152
From: NE OK
The tailgate is heavy, have you looked at the tailgate assist kit for it? I don't know how much it helps, but it maybe easier than filling the void. The step tailgate adds 67 lbs to the rear.
On edit, it looks like most "assist kits" are to help with lowering. I thought I saw a thread that mentioned a kit to help lift it.
On edit, it looks like most "assist kits" are to help with lowering. I thought I saw a thread that mentioned a kit to help lift it.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,876
Likes: 3,508
From: Uh oh, CA
The tailgate is heavy, have you looked at the tailgate assist kit for it? I don't know how much it helps, but it maybe easier than filling the void. The step tailgate adds 67 lbs to the rear.
On edit, it looks like most "assist kits" are to help with lowering. I thought I saw a thread that mentioned a kit to help lift it.
On edit, it looks like most "assist kits" are to help with lowering. I thought I saw a thread that mentioned a kit to help lift it.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,876
Likes: 3,508
From: Uh oh, CA
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 153
Likes: 24
As stated above, removing just the step won't save that much weight....there is a lot of reinforcement in the center of the tailgate that adds most of the weight. And there is an assist built into the step tailgate to help with closing....the difference between the two isn't that much.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
I just replaced a conventional tailgate with one with a step and can confirm that it's at least 67#.....feels like more.
As stated above, removing just the step won't save that much weight....there is a lot of reinforcement in the center of the tailgate that adds most of the weight. And there is an assist built into the step tailgate to help with closing....the difference between the two isn't that much.
As stated above, removing just the step won't save that much weight....there is a lot of reinforcement in the center of the tailgate that adds most of the weight. And there is an assist built into the step tailgate to help with closing....the difference between the two isn't that much.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 306
From: Mills River
I weighed our truck’s tailgate with the optional built-in step: 85 lbs. IIRC.
HTH,
Jimm/ crewzer
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 306
From: Mills River
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 370
Likes: 87
As mentioned above the easiest thing to do is trade tailgates with someone without the step. Mine doesnt have the step in the tailgate but I did install an amp step that works great for me. I will say the aluminum tailgate is so light without the step it makes me a bit concerned about the integrity, not sure I would trust it with a bunch of weight on it but who knows...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 153
Likes: 24
There is a rod that runs from the hinge on the driver side. It's part 10 on the tailgate diagram:
https://www.bluespringsfordparts.com...ody--tail-gate
The tailgate hinge is keyed on the driver side, and you can only install the tailgate when it is at about a 75* angle. Lowering the tailgate puts tension on the rod, making the lift easier.....similar to a garage door spring I figure.
https://www.bluespringsfordparts.com...ody--tail-gate
The tailgate hinge is keyed on the driver side, and you can only install the tailgate when it is at about a 75* angle. Lowering the tailgate puts tension on the rod, making the lift easier.....similar to a garage door spring I figure.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,129
Likes: 1,649
All of the above is correct. The step mechanism is fairly light - it is the reinforcement of the tailgate to accommodate the step without losing structural integrity that adds all the weight. Removing the step isn't going to help you much, and you would need to fabricate a bracket to hold whatever you put over the opening. I will throw it out there that removing the step MAY compromise the integrity of the tailgate - I don't know how it is configured inside or how much structural support the step mechanism is adding to the tailgate.
Your simplest solution is to change to a non-step tailgate and have your custom lettering added to it. However, you will lose the torsion assist (which, as described, is a lot like a garage door spring), which won't make the tailgate close much easier.
Your simplest solution is to change to a non-step tailgate and have your custom lettering added to it. However, you will lose the torsion assist (which, as described, is a lot like a garage door spring), which won't make the tailgate close much easier.
