08 Tailgate Swap

tbrown1986 · Jul 11, 2014

I've searched but can't find the answer I need. I have an 07 and I bought an 08 tailgate. Its the tailgate with the step and handle. I've searched the local salvage yards and also our local ford dealer and can't find what I need. I want to put this 2008 style tailgate on my 07. What brackets, rods, or parts do I need? I found out about the tailgate assist rod... I'd like to utilize this but more importantly I'd just like to get the tailgate put on.

05wh250 · Jul 13, 2014

If I remember right you have to change the drivers side hinge. Been looking to do this too just can't find a tailgate they don't want an arm and a leg for.

Koda22 · Jul 13, 2014

Yea driver side..,just go to your ford dealer and order one...I think it was under 20bucks for it

03ranger30 · Jul 13, 2014

I don't think it's the hinge you have to change, it's the drivers side latch.

HOOV3R · Jul 13, 2014

It's the drivers side hinge, it's changed due to the easy lower.

tbrown1986 · Jul 14, 2014

I've got the drivers side assembly ordered. Hopefully it will work. The way I understand it is that I wont be able to use the lift assist or whatever it is. This step tailgate is a lot heavier than a standard tailgate so I might end up getting something to help shut the gate and also not let it slam. I appreciate all the input! Thanks!

johnp115 · Jul 14, 2014

tbrown1986 said:
I've got the drivers side assembly ordered. Hopefully it will work. The way I understand it is that I wont be able to use the lift assist or whatever it is. This step tailgate is a lot heavier than a standard tailgate so I might end up getting something to help shut the gate and also not let it slam. I appreciate all the input! Thanks!

The driver side hinge allows for you to use that. Its like a torsion spring bar or whatever and that hinge connects to it. Lowers super easy. Had one on my 6.0

Its one little bracket, two bolts. May be a pain to get the old hinge out. I had to heat mine up cause it was frozen

Obsledpuller · Jul 14, 2014

The new hinge is a slot that sticks into the new tailgate all of the lift assist is in the tailgate its a fairly easy swap. Did mine in about 20 mins.

tbrown1986 · Jul 14, 2014

If the tailgate is the step version should that rod already be inside the gate?

sagebel · Jul 14, 2014

It's not inside the gate, it bolts to the bed on the bottom driver side of the tailgate opening. All '08 and up tailgates have the internal torsion spring. Order this part: 4L3Z83430B39AA (I think it is a F-150 P/N but it worked when I put an '08 tailgate on my 2000.