Tailgate Removal
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 277
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From: Sacramento, California
Tailgate Removal
I recently acquired a 86 F-150 2 wheel drive pickup, and I would like to know how the tailgate is removed. Does it have to be unbolted or does it come out on one side that is slotted? I know this is a fairly elementary question but since I'm not that familiar with these trucks I need to ask. I'm much more knowledgeable on the 48 through 52 F-1 trucks than I am with this series of Ford pickups. Thanks for your help.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 153
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From: Selkirk NY
It is slotted on one side. The passenger side If I remember right. If you open it to about a 45 degree angle and pull up on the passenger side of the tailgate that side will slide out and then you can pull the whole thing off of the round mount on the driver's side. You will want to remove the retaining cables or brackets first.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 277
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From: Sacramento, California
Thanks Stanggt84 I appreciate the help. I need to remove the tailgate in order to repair it as the front and back panels at the spot welds has come apart so I need to weld it back together again. What can I expect as the truck was free and in fairly good condition!
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 277
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From: Sacramento, California
Yeah you can't beat free! I've got about $200 invested in it now (New fuel pumps for duel tanks, major tune up, valve cover gaskets, and minor misc.) I'll probably be into it for less than $500 and it'll be a good daily driver and parts hauler!
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
WOW. If the tailgate is that easy to remove, is there dome sort of locking device available to keep thieves from snatching it off? I just bought a new and very expensive aluminum finish panel, and I do not want someone taking it!
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Jacksonville FL
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
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From: Florence, SC
Thanks for the website, but it looks as though they do NOT have one for the 1980-1986 generation. They only list locks for 1987 and above.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: patricia ab canada
just put a hose clamp on the passenger side hinge.it doesn't lock it ,but it it's a PIA for the thief.they will need a screw driver to get that gate off ,and it will take awhile for him/her to get it off.once they realize it won't be an easy score ,they will pass it up.(hopefully).
Trailering
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 4
Where can I find tools to remove the studs
I have a 1987 F150. Where can I find tools to remove the studs that are on the bed? There is one that the latch holds on to, and one that holds the top end of the support strap. They look like they are put on with torx wrenches but standard sizes of torx don't fit. The lower one that holds the support strap is bigger than a T40 and smaller than a T45 torx. The top one, that is the latch point is slightly bigger than a T45 torx but doesn't really fit the T45 torx bit.
I could take them out with a big vice grips but don't want to mess them up. And if I did I still wouldn't have the right tools to put new ones in.
Am I missing something obvious.
Thanks in advance for any help.
I could take them out with a big vice grips but don't want to mess them up. And if I did I still wouldn't have the right tools to put new ones in.
Am I missing something obvious.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,965
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From: Virginia
Looks like it may be a Torx plus or called a IP40. That is one thing I do not like about Torx, several bits near the correct size will work. Are you afraid to strip out the bolts with what you have? I am sure there is one that catches in the hole, but is a little sloppy correct?
You can order the IP40 Torx online.
You can order the IP40 Torx online.
Trailering
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 4
torx IP ?
Thanks for the info. I might try to find one but don't think this is the answer because the Torx Plus (IP) system was created in 1990 and the truck is a 1987.
I'm guessing it was some sort of Ford special. They were a bit strange about things. For example some of the bolts and hardware on this thing are metric and some are English.
It doesn't help that I haven't worked with this stuff for many years and have forgotten too many details.
Again, thanks for the info and I'll try to find one of those bits to see for sure whether that will do the trick. The T40 is too small, will spin in the hole. The T45 is way too big. I asked a guy at a Ford dealership and he said they could take it apart for me but wouldn't say what kind of tool. If I was desperate I'd just use my vice grips but don't want to scuff it up. Might end up that way, but I'm in no rush so will keep looking for a few days.
I'm guessing it was some sort of Ford special. They were a bit strange about things. For example some of the bolts and hardware on this thing are metric and some are English.
It doesn't help that I haven't worked with this stuff for many years and have forgotten too many details.
Again, thanks for the info and I'll try to find one of those bits to see for sure whether that will do the trick. The T40 is too small, will spin in the hole. The T45 is way too big. I asked a guy at a Ford dealership and he said they could take it apart for me but wouldn't say what kind of tool. If I was desperate I'd just use my vice grips but don't want to scuff it up. Might end up that way, but I'm in no rush so will keep looking for a few days.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,965
Likes: 2,725
From: Virginia
You will find any older part of the truck will be english fasteners, anything Ford made for it in 1987 will be metric.
So most engines in 1987 are older designs, the 300, the 302, the 351w, the 460. If there is a bolt that actually threads into the block, it will be english. If it is a bracket that threads into another bracket or modern piece like a power steering pump, it will be metric. Most of the body hardware will be metric. If you have a older design transmission, anything that threads into that will be english. Any external mounts or brackets will be metric. Your tailgate hardware will be of course metric.
So most engines in 1987 are older designs, the 300, the 302, the 351w, the 460. If there is a bolt that actually threads into the block, it will be english. If it is a bracket that threads into another bracket or modern piece like a power steering pump, it will be metric. Most of the body hardware will be metric. If you have a older design transmission, anything that threads into that will be english. Any external mounts or brackets will be metric. Your tailgate hardware will be of course metric.
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