Yes, that is what the straps are for. Why the pin is there I have no idea, but that is what I was told by an engineer. I do know that sometimes it does help when putting together the hardware for the tailgate.

 

Screw-

Thanks for the input...again

It's little stuff like this that drives me nuts.

 

The pin doesn't have anything to do with the lift assist.

The pin is to prevent the tailgate from hitting against the bumper if you have the straps on the side disconnected.

The straps do the same but are more for holding any weight that is placed on the tailgate.

 

Which makes total sense, but I still don't understand why some have it and some don't.

 

Those straps can break. They rust from the inside and one day you step up there and SNAP. Sometimes the remaining strap wont hold all the weight, and the second one could break also.

 

Yeah, I can't understand why some do and don't either.

The "accident" theory seems a little weak. If they were accidentally putting parts on trucks, I think we would be noticing lots of other things that should or shouldn't be there. I wish they "accidentally" put the FX4 gauge cluster on my truck :-). Though I am sure there is sometimes a mistake here and there with some stuff. This pin seems too commonly found on trucks that don't have the bed extender for it to be accidental.

- Justin

 

ok, that makes sense. I pin that costs Ford probably 50 cents is a lot different than an instrument cluster that costs a heck of a lot more. Maybe "accident" was the wrong word. How about "mistakingly", "in error". Whatever sounds better to you. Anyway, they are not putting the pin on "in place of" another part like the gauge cluster, but what do I know, I only build them.

 

Trucks with the pin will be worth more at trade-in than trucks without the pin...the Shadow knows!

 

Accidents/ mistakes do happen.

Remember the thread where some 200x year models of the Screw had reflectors only on the front interior door panels instead of the half light/ half reflector? they even had the wiring to plug the light in, just no lights.

Someone checked the trucks on the lot, and some had lights and some did not.

 

50 cents gets to be a lot if accidentaly put it on enough trucks.

 

Someone should test it out. Take the tailgate straps off and let the tailgate fall and see if it hits the bumper, then stand on it to see if it will hold your weight.

(WARNING: This TEST should only be preformed at the dealership, without their knowledge)

 

I got the tailgate "safety pin" in my parts kit that came with my Ford bed extender. The inadequate instructions didn't even explain what it was.