Tailgate Lock?????
And that's why I have an XL model.
What? The XL model still has a tailgate lock... doesn't it? All "power" tailgate locks are aftermarket add-ons.
Matt
2002, F250 SD, SC, 8' Bed, V10, 3.73 LS, Arizona Beige, ICI Stainless Step Bars, Truxedo Tonneau, Prodigy Brake Control, Flowmaster 40
And that's why I have an XL model.
>
>What? The XL model still has a tailgate lock... doesn't it?
> All "power" tailgate locks are aftermarket add-ons.
>
>Matt
>
Quite true regarding power tailgate locks - aftermarket only. However, the XL model did NOT have a tailgate lock nor did the XLT; it came in the Lariat only as of 2002. I'm not sure, however, if this is still the case in the 2003 model.
In either case, it is troubling to know that I paid extra for this INconvenience. I guess I'll have the dealer do something about it when I have a more serious problem that warrants spending the time. Until then, I just remember to have the key with me just in case. I got tired of playing the "try opening tailgate, find out it's locked, walk back to cab & get key, return to tailgate, unlock..." game - it's a long walk on a SC LB.
>only. However, the XL model did NOT have a tailgate lock
>nor did the XLT; it came in the Lariat only as of 2002. I'm
>not sure, however, if this is still the case in the 2003
>model.
Not true! My 2002 Non-Lariat XLT has a lock. I thought it was standard on all models.
Matt
2002, F250 SD, SC, 8' Bed, V10, 3.73 LS, Arizona Beige, ICI Stainless Step Bars, Truxedo Tonneau, Prodigy Brake Control, Flowmaster 40
Can't type today....
GAV10 ( Mark )
2) Go to FlatRateTech.com and post your question in the appropriate forum. These guys are phenomenal when it comes to diagnosing a problem, letting you know if Ford has any TSB's, and how to fix it yourself if you don't want to mess with the dealer. I think you'll find them more than helpful, and they reall ydeserve our support.
All XLT and Lariat SD's '99 and newer have manual locking tailgates. It was an option on some XL's as well.
I keep mine locked. That way it's not as likely to grow legs and walk away. There's been a lot of tailgate theft going on now that the SD/F150 are using the same tailgate.
Your tailgate fits every Ford truck out there, so why buy a new one at Ford's outrageous prices when you can just take someone else's that matches perfectly?

I hate thieves.
Waxy
>All XLT and Lariat SD's '99 and newer have manual locking
>tailgates. It was an option on some XL's as well.
>
>I keep mine locked. That way it's not as likely to grow
>legs and walk away. There's been a lot of tailgate theft
>going on now that the SD/F150 are using the same tailgate.
>
>Your tailgate fits every Ford truck out there, so why buy a
>new one at Ford's outrageous prices when you can just take
>someone else's that matches perfectly?
>
>I hate thieves.
>
>Waxy
I keep my locked as well. I was explaining why I keep my tailgate locked to some friends, and they thought I was paraniod, until another guy had his tailgate stolen the next night at our American Legion. It only takes about 15 seconds to steal the tailgate. That 15 seconds equated to about $1200 replacement. My bud decided that his mpg might improve with no tailgate, and didn't replace it. My 82 had the passenger door lock on it's own, and people always asked why I didn't fix it, my answer is why? I want it to stay locked anyways.
I took it apart to look ,it seems to be a very sensitive lock mechanism
vibration and bouncing tend to trip it ,also when weight is put on the tailgate ,these tailgates bend or bow easy (not very tough in my opinion)it does contribute to the easy of it happening! will let you all
know if I can fix it or not.give me a few days,Its snowing here now I gotta play with my plow! yippe yippeee!
Rich
02 F250 4x4 SC 5.4v8 6spd 3.73ls Trueblue/Silver and Chrome Nerfs
"All Levers"
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
>>Your tailgate fits every Ford truck out there, so why buy a
>>new one at Ford's outrageous prices when you can just take
>>someone else's that matches perfectly?
>>
>>I hate thieves.
>>
>>Waxy
Many of us have had this type of crap happen, so I have to tell you a little story.
Late 70s my brother-in-law had a Dodge Ramcharger 4x4. On the year model he had, the door hinges were on the outside of the vehicle. One morning he came out of his home, went to get inside of this vehicle to leave only to discover that during the night, someone had stolen his drivers door.
Damn the bad luck.Looking back at his trouble, I find it rather humorous. I would have loved to have seen his face that morning!
>to steal the tailgate. That 15 seconds equated to about
>$1200 replacement.
It has been suggested several times on this board that a small worm gear type hose clamp can be installed around the open tailgate pivot hinge. This greatly increase the time and trouble to steal the tailgate. Once the thief sees the clamp, he just moves onto the next "best selling truck" in the lot.
What a great idea, and cheap insurance. You would never know it was there if you don't remove your tailgate often.
Matt
2002, F250 SD, SC, 8' Bed, V10, 3.73 LS, Arizona Beige, ICI Stainless Step Bars, Truxedo Tonneau, Prodigy Brake Control, Flowmaster 40
>It has been suggested several times on this board that a
>small worm gear type hose clamp can be installed around the
>open tailgate pivot hinge. This greatly increase the time
>and trouble to steal the tailgate. Once the thief sees the
>clamp, he just moves onto the next "best selling truck" in
>the lot.
>
>What a great idea, and cheap insurance. You would never
>know it was there if you don't remove your tailgate often.
>
>Matt
>
Now that is not only ingenius, but it fits my overall concept of working on my baby. KISS
bob




