2008 non - step tailgate question

[ccs903]

Please help 08 super duty owners. I purchased a 08 take-off tailgate from a truck service co. that installs service beds. I plan on installing it on my 02 super duty. I have the parts to do the conversion but have discovered a problem. Looking at the bottom of the tailgate on the passenger side is two bolts, one above the other, that thread into the bottom of tailgate. These appear to have been removed before because both are only partially threaded back into the holes. The drivers side hinge also has a long rod, (torsion rod), that is loose inside of tailgate. The hinge/rod assembly is one piece and can be pulled out of tailgate hinge socket.I need to determine how all of this needs to be re-assembled. Ford dealer parts catalog drawings offer no help. The only thing I can think of is that somebody took this loose to get the tailgate off of the truck. I have heard with the close assist feature that the tailgate has is hard to remove. Can someone take a close look at their tailgate to see how all of that goes back together. I could possibly have some parts missing but need to know whats in there to determine if thats the case. Any info. or help will be greatly appretiated.

[CMB430]

Good Afternoon,

I took my tailgate off to do some mods, and it was heavy, so make sure you put a blanket down on the bumper to protect it. If my memory serves me correct, I had to disconnect the support cables from the bed and then the passenger side lifted up through a slot in the hinge and then the driver's side slid / pulled off. It went on in the opposite way. There is a spring / torsion assist in the tailgate. If your's is loose, you should still be able to use it but will have to support the full weight of it. Also, not sure if the hinge keys are the same pattern on your model as the 2008.

Good luck.