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From my thread of 6-18-09;https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-tailgate.html
We are building a new tailgate for a customer at the shop. I believe that it is for a '09 F-350. It has the built in step. His original tailgate was STOLEN! The cost for the new tailgate is $3,400.00. It has to be built from all the individual parts as we cannot order a complete tailgate. It is just not available new. This is an insurance job. Use the hose clamp trick to keep someone from lifting yours off of the pivots. Use the lock to keep the gate closed. Hell get a cable and find a way to attach it to the tailgate and use a badass padlock to lock it to the tie-down in the bed.
I installed a power tailgate lock kit on my SD from Pop & Lock. I wonder why something along those lines isn't offered from the factory? I mean, back up cameras, SYNC, man steps, and all sorts of other nice-ities, it seems like attaching a power lock actuator to the tailgate lock would be a no brainer...? Maybe someday.
tylus....I'll not aware of the tailgate popping open with a sheet of plywood pressing against the base of the gate.
tvsjr....have you heard of tailgate thefts on the '09s? Maybe I'm naive but it seems to be no problems around my neck of the woods.
be careful then
It will rear it's ugly head before too long
If you look at the right pivot, you can see the point where the tailgate slides in/out right?
incidently, if you have something in the bed that sticks over just a tiny bit...about 1" is enough
When you close the tailgate, the stuff in the bed hits the tailgate right here at the lower edge. About 1/2 way up, the angle things will force the right side of the tailgate out of it's seat...and then it drops onto the bumper and ground.
you would not believe the # of people who did this.
that alone is why I feel every 2004+ F-150 owner should install a Hose Clamp or Zip Tie
plus it makes it harder for a thief to just grab & go
BOT - Absolutely... tailgate thefts are quite common, especially down here in the truck capital of the world (TX). A crook, with a bit of practice, can pull a gate off and be running down the road at a full sprint with it under his arms in seconds - especially if he knows to slide under the truck and pull the video connector first.
Mine stayed locked for as long as I had it on the truck. With the topper, I have double-doors in the back and toolbox doors on the sides - all have power locks.
say what, these new tailgates are pretty darn heavy, I can't see how someone by themself can take off running at full sprint trying to carry one?
I seen a pikey running down the road before with a old crt 60"+ tv about 10 years back. I struggle to lift one of them with 2 people. You would be surprised what they can carry when they want to steal something.
tvsjr....have you heard of tailgate thefts on the '09s? Maybe I'm naive but it seems to be no problems around my neck of the woods.
tailgate theft is a big business down here, as well as cutting the cats off new cars. i had my tailgate stolen about 3 years ago, along with every other truck that was in the parking lot at the time. they can get 500 bucks for 2 minutes worth of work. one guy here got caught on camera backing a trailer up to a dealership and cutting the cats off pretty much every car on the lot.
Just ordered a gate keeper from jimmi jamers for my truck.
For the 2009 f150 the gate keeper part number is #200745. It keeps the tail gate from being removed. Goes over the hinge.
They also have a jimmi jamer for the handle on the tailgate part number on that one is 113475. It goes behind the handle.
That is the best way just to lock with the key. I have had many trucks and never thought of locking the tailgate but my 05 f150 tailgate got taken in front of my house of all things! Never would have dreamed of that happening because I never locked them before. Now thats all I ever think of when using it. Cost $500 but the tailgate alone was $1500!!!!! Ford said this has been happening a bunch but never have they had a person say they got it taken when it was locked. I wonder why they are taking them when they cost this much.
say what, these new tailgates are pretty darn heavy, I can't see how someone by themself can take off running at full sprint trying to carry one?
I can carry one by myself, but I won't be running (I don't run anyway!) Add a hefty shot of adrenalin and perhaps an illegal narcotic or two, plus being a career criminal who's been doing this and practicing for quite awhile, and it's no big deal.