Was looking over the window sticker from my '07 FX2 and noticed something. It says "Locking Removeable Tailgate w/Lift Assist." Now I've had this truck almost 2 years and bought it used. What's up with the Lift Assist? I've had this FX2 and also a Lariat and they both seemed the same to me. No assist that I could find. Is it maybe missing something?

 

LOL, I thought the same thing with my truck, but what it is, is a big coil spring inside the tail gate that when lowered gains tension so it assist you with closing/lifting. I never thought too much of it, but others have said "man your tailgate is light", turns out its not light it just help you out a little haha.

 

Thanks. Makes better sense now.

 

No problem, I was first expecting to see a little pneumatic cylinder or something, much like under the hood.

 

yep. take your tailgate off and just hold it. youll see how heavy it actually is and how much the "lift assist" really does help

 

So, is there anything to watch out for when taking the tailgate off/on? Is it going to go "SPROING!"?

I wondered how the heck my tailgate was so freakin' light.

 

Per the instruction manual:
7. Lift tailgate to a 45-degree angle from horizontal.
8. Lift right side off of its hinge. 9. Lift tailgate to a 80-degree angle from horizontal. 10. Remove tailgate from left side hinge by sliding tailgate to the right. To install, follow the removal procedures in reverse order.

I am guessing due to the angle at which the tailgate is removed, the spring is pretty much at rest by the time it comes off.

 

It helps or assist with you closing and opening the tail gate. Right now you probably can open and close it with one hand. Try this on a much older model truck and you will notice the difference

 

I was under the impression that it was a torsion bar, not a "spring". Same mechanism that most trunk lids on cars use to aid in lifting (those that don't use gas struts).

 

It may be (sorry if I caused confusion), I never took mine apart, regardless torsion bar or spring, same principals are in affect. Item want to be at rest, apply force it applies resistance in opposite direction.

 

Ah, yes, the fine manual. I should have taken the advice I give to my users at work: RTFM.

Actually, I did read it, and now I recall reading that section. I just don't know why I'd want to take the tailgate off, other than to repair something. I've never taken a tailgate off before. Just curious, I guess.