A little security for your tailgate
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Joined: May 2006
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A little security for your tailgate
I have found a cheap and easy way to keep some deviate from stealing your Ford trucks tailgate, and if you don't routinely need to remove it, it makes good sense. The hinge on the right side is designed to enable the tailgate to come out when the tailgate is open at about a 45 degree angle. If you replace this bracket with one that is the same as the left side, the tailgate can no longer be removed without the proper torx socket. I got my left side bracket , and plastic insulator from a donor SD in a wrecking yard for about $5. You have to be careful installing it, and it does take a little time to get it lined up properly, but when finished it will stay put, and stay on your truck.
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I just lock mine, rarely need to open it and have the keys with me in any event if I'm going to use it. I had heard that stolen tailgates was a major factor in FMC putting a lock on it in the first place. Not sure what year they started putting locks on the tailgates but my '03 has it.
I've seen in JC Whitlney some lift cylinders that you can put on the tailgate so it won't gravity slam down on you. Not sure if these would make it harder to remove but I'd think so. Your idea is a good one, thanks and kudos for posting it.
I've seen in JC Whitlney some lift cylinders that you can put on the tailgate so it won't gravity slam down on you. Not sure if these would make it harder to remove but I'd think so. Your idea is a good one, thanks and kudos for posting it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: New York
I have never taken my tailgate off and don't foresee any reason to in the future, so I will look at that bracket idea. Problem is that there aren't too many SD's in the salvage yards around here for some reason. Might have to go OEM for this.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: 21791
Yep i used a hose clamp put at a very odd angle, so that if anyone thinks of taking it, they have to work for it.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
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From: Stephensville WI
If someone would make a slip ring that slid over the right side hinge like the hose clamp they could probably make a bit of money selling them.
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Posting Guru
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From: New York
Originally Posted by redford
If someone would make a slip ring that slid over the right side hinge like the hose clamp they could probably make a bit of money selling them.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
Originally Posted by PHWLEE
I took a look this AM and thought about a slip ring. I will search around in the garage for something that might fit, like piping or something else round. I can just cut it to the right width and it should work nicely.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Douglas County, GA
I just bought this for my tailgate. It was $22, and a hose-clamp would have been much cheaper, but I hadn't thought about that.
http://trucktechniques.com/gatekeeper.html
I now have stopped locking my tailgate, since it can't be easily removed anyway. I figure that if I lock it, someone will bust the lock, then lower the tailgate and find it's too much work to get it off (leaving me a busted lock to repair). If they get it with the gate-keeper installed, the insurance company can replace it.
http://trucktechniques.com/gatekeeper.html
I now have stopped locking my tailgate, since it can't be easily removed anyway. I figure that if I lock it, someone will bust the lock, then lower the tailgate and find it's too much work to get it off (leaving me a busted lock to repair). If they get it with the gate-keeper installed, the insurance company can replace it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,857
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From: Northern CA
I just ordered 2 of those for the SD's in our stable.
I'll let you know how they work out in a few days.
I inqured a week or so on the power locking tailgate kits also, take a look
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...+tailgate+lock
I'll let you know how they work out in a few days.
I inqured a week or so on the power locking tailgate kits also, take a look
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...+tailgate+lock
Originally Posted by F250tuff
I just bought this for my tailgate. It was $22, and a hose-clamp would have been much cheaper, but I hadn't thought about that.
http://trucktechniques.com/gatekeeper.html
I now have stopped locking my tailgate, since it can't be easily removed anyway. I figure that if I lock it, someone will bust the lock, then lower the tailgate and find it's too much work to get it off (leaving me a busted lock to repair). If they get it with the gate-keeper installed, the insurance company can replace it.
http://trucktechniques.com/gatekeeper.html
I now have stopped locking my tailgate, since it can't be easily removed anyway. I figure that if I lock it, someone will bust the lock, then lower the tailgate and find it's too much work to get it off (leaving me a busted lock to repair). If they get it with the gate-keeper installed, the insurance company can replace it.
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
Originally Posted by kphn
The first tailgate lock that I saw was a 1997 F150. I lock mine all the time I know somebody that had their tailgate stolen on a ranger .
Ken
Ken
Last edited by redford; Dec 17, 2006 at 04:05 PM.