Tailgate swap

[ThA CoPyCaT©]

I own a 2006 F350. Car looks great, but the tailgate needs to be repainted because of a dent and some scratches, so that's why I've bought a 2008-2010 tailgate through ebay today. I'm not sure if it's possible to replace the old tailgate for the new one without purchase any other parts.
Please help me out.

[BIGBILL105 45]

You have to switch one of the latches on the truck. I forget which side it is. I think its the driver side but don't hold me to it.

[LovesDunes]

Here you go...

The tailgate on Cin's new truck isn't in too bad of shape...






But I much prefer the look of the 2010 tailgate and it fit without much of a hassle...






All you have to buy from Ford is this lower bracket for the drivers side that Ford calls a Roller...



Driver Side Roller Part #4L3Z83430B39AA $11.88

It's different than the earlier tailgate Rollers because these newer tailgates have a spring assist dealeo inside that makes closing the tailgate a little easier.

Since I was already at Ford I picked up a new passenger side Roller and the Insert that goes with it...



Passenger Side Roller Part #4L3Z83430B38AA $9.82
Passenger Side Insert Part #E7TZ99430B22A $8.01




Because they were bare metal I painted them to keep them from rusting...




Here is the drivers side Roller that must be replaced...



Here is the passenger side Roller I decided to replace since I'm in there anyways...




For those of you that don't know, removing the tailgate is pretty easy. On the passenger side, the Insert that is inserted into the tailgate that rides on the Roller has an opening in it...



There is also an opening in the tailgate. After unclipping the cables, just lower the tailgate until the opening on the Insert and tailgate is aligned with the Roller mounted to the bed...



Then just lift up on the passenger side of the tailgate. But be VERY CAREFUL when doing this. Once the passenger side is free, the drivers side will just fall out if you accidently pull on the tailgate towards the passenger side. These tailgates aren't super heavy. But if you are on the passenger side, and all of the sudden the drivers side falls out, there is no way you are going to be able to stop the tailgate from falling to the ground. It might be best to get some help if you are uncertain.

With the tailgate safely removed you can see the slot in the Insert and the tailgate...



Here you can see the difference between the old drivers side Roller and the new drivers side Roller...



Installing the new drivers side Roller was pretty straight forward. Just align the Roller with the marks in the paint left from the old Roller...



Since the passenger side Roller was a different shape than the old Roller, I aligned the outer circular edge of the Roller with the circular edge of the body line in the bed so the two would be concentric with each other...



Here is the slot that the new drivers side Roller has to go into...



Putting the new tailgate on was quite a chore. The new tailgate was way to heavy for me to lift on my own. So Lauren helped me lift the tailgate into place while Cindee guided the drivers side of the tailgate into place. The passenger side was just reversing the steps to remove it. Align the opening of the Insert with the passenger side Roller and drop the tailgate into place. Clip the cable on and it's all done.

Having the step built into the tailgate is pretty cool. Makes it much easier for Cindee and Lauren to climb into the bed to get whatever...











Minus the painting time the whole project only took about 15 minutes.

[ThA CoPyCaT©]

Thanks guys. You helped me a lot.

[ThA CoPyCaT©]

Taadaa

Mine...

[agjake11]

looks great. love the new style tailgate and the new rear bumper