I'm looking at buying the Recon brand of thoses L.E.D. lights for the sides and under the tailgate area of my pickup. I was noticing today while looking at the rear that there is something towards the right side of the bed under the tailgate. It looks like it is only bolted on to the bed, and there is a separte piece that goes between this part that is attatched to the tailgate. It looks as though it may be used to keep the tailgate in alignment, but I don't understand how it could actually move back and fourth? I have no idea what purpose this really serves, and I was hoping someone would enlighten me! Just curious if anyone has removed it and what it was really there for? Just wanted to know for sure before I ordered my lights and tried to take it off myself. I have a couple of pics, but I don't know how to post them as of yet. Thanks in advance!!
Tim <!-- / message --><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_sig --><!-- END TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_sig --><!-- sig -->

 

Ok, here's a view from the top with the tailgate down......
and here's a pic with the tailgate up..............

 

Good deal. I've replied on the other forum, so won't here except to ask the experts on this forum if this is the lift assist or just something to keep the gate centered.

 

Thanks, my first thought as well was to center the tailgate. However, I don't know that it can even move side to side? Hopefully someone will have the answer!

 

it is part of the lift asist assembly.

 

Thanks! That had been my first guess. Good to know my hunch was right for once. LOL

 

No its not. It comes on F350 duallys though and not on the standard single wheel trucks.

 

Ok, maybe I'm missing something here but how does this actually help with anything. From what I can tell the two separated pieces never touch or do anything? What will it hurt to remove black piece from the bed?

 

I put a tailgate light on my '08 and took that piece off and don't notice any difference you don't need it I think it is just to keep the gate from sliding out. Check out the amber scanning tailgate light from recon, I also put those illuminated f-250 emblems above the fender vents.

 

Just wondering if you took off both pieces or only the one off of the truck bed? Also, does your truck have the tailgate step, and if so was if affected by removing this part?
Thanks again!!

 

I just took off the one on the gate and yes I have the step and no it does not affect any thing. I bought the 60 inch light if you use the 48 inch you may not have to take the part off, but I don't see any necessary function for it.

 

I replied this on the other forum, but after looking that thing over carefully, I really don't see that it can serve any purpose other than limit side slip in the fully open or fully closed position. I don't know how side slip is going to be very possible anyhow.

 

Do you really have to take the tailgate off? My 2014 Platinum F250 has camera and beautiful large trim piece across the whole tailgate. That will be very fragile when removing the tailgate. How do you disconnect the electric wires from the truck to the tailgate? How heavy is the tailgate and can two older folks remove it safely?