Hey guys. Did a search specific to the '04/'05 on how to replace tailgate handle and couldn't find anything. I just got the Mark LT handle for my F150 and need to know how to replace it.

TIA for any help.

 

Remove the EIGHT Torx head bolts that are on the backside of the tailgate. Remove panel. Dance a jig. Remove two bolts securing handle in place. Dance the Macarana. Wiggle slightly to the left. Tie your shoe. Remove handle from tailgate outward. Do not shut tailgate while handle is removed. Wiggle once more.

RP

 

Hmm... is it six or eight Torx? Second guessing myself.

Start to finish on your install should be a whopping 5 minutes or so... it's VERY simple.

RP

 

RP - you're slipping - you forgot to mention removing the lock cylinder retaining clip .....and that adds about another 20 seconds or so to the job.....Note the cylinder will slide into the tailgate handle w/o removing the clip but you do have to remove the clip to remove the cylinder......and don't overtighten the Torx screws as they are really sheet metal screws and will strip easily

 

Yep. I'm getting on up there in age... bummer.

That 20 seconds is CRITICAL! LOL! Thanks for the addition HL!

RP

 

Thanks bros. I'll give it a try immediately.

 

Thanks RockPic and HotLap for your assistance. Job was easy as pie. I did get some strange looks while doing the makarena though. Even had time to shoot some pics.

Before


After


Thanks a bunch for your help.

 

I can't stress enough the importance of dancing a jig. Please, whatever you do, don't forget this step. It can cause your truck to run in reverse when you've got the shifter in drive. It will cause your engine to shrink from a 5.4 or 4.6 to a 2.2L and, further, it will cause poka-dots to develop in your paint... pink poka-dots.

Obviously, this is a CRITICAL step to the removal of the handle so, please proceed with caution!

Here's what happend to my old King Ranch when I tried to remove a radiator cap without the proper dance step...

BEFORE:




AFTER:



Be careful bud!

RP

 

Now that's funny, I don't care who you are.

 

Man trying to get the kids to sleep then read this post, damn hard not to laugh out loud.
Trev
Thanks for the humor RP!

 

 

I'm thinking of mounting a backup camera on the left side to match the keyhole on the other side. Those that have take their tailgates apart, is there anything in the way on the left hand side?

 

The 2008's had an optional backup cam that was mounted in the tailgate handle exactly where your thinking of going. Just buy the factory handle, and if funds allow, the factory camera too. Here I'll even help you out with the part #'s

08 backup cam 8L3Z-19G490-A

08 camera handle 8L3Z-9943400-xx (replace the xx at the end with the proper suffix for the handle you need)

The handle came in several different versions, plain textured black bucket and pull for XLT's, FX4's and Lariats.
Smooth bucket and pull for FX2's, FX4's w/lux package and Harley's
Textured black bucket and chrome pull for lariat with chrome package
Painted bucket with chrome pull for Lincoln Mark LT (came in whatever colors were available on 08 LT's)

 

looks like a nissan titan

 

Up from the dead... 5 years.