I don't know the technical name of the part, but I believe it holds the tailgate in place. I remember removing it when I installed the tailgate lock.Took delivery of my Cactus Gray Lariat Hybrid back in September, after almost exactly a one year wait. Really like the truck, but there was part just loose in the bed storage cubby. The ford guy didn't know what it was, and I'm assuming it wasn't supposed to be attached to MY truck but was just left in there by mistake. Anybody familiar with this part?
Dumb question, so I have an XLT that comes standard with a tailgate lock. So my truck has one of these on each side? Or it doesn't have it at all?
Only dumb question is the one that you don't ask...........my understanding is the Mcgard tailgate "lock" is an accessory or add on that can be purchased. (I bought one after getting my truck, just not from the dealership) In order to install it, the Ford OEM tailgate "hook" (that's what I call it) has to be removed. The two things do the same thing, keep the tailgate from being easily removed, but with the correct tool, the "hook" can be taken off in less than 15 seconds. My 22 XLT had the "hook" on the passenger side of the tailgate, only one of them, my truck doesn't have one on the drivers side. if you have the "lock" (with the little key that's needed to remove it, like the pic) that the dealer installed before you picked up the truck, then more than likely your hook is in the truck somewhere or the dealership pitched it..............hope this all makes sense.
Found this in the bed storage cubby.
Kind of,lol.hope I'm not confusing the power locking tailgate with a device preventing theft of said tailgate?Only dumb question is the one that you don't ask...........my understanding is the Mcgard tailgate "lock" is an accessory or add on that can be purchased. (I bought one after getting my truck, just not from the dealership) In order to install it, the Ford OEM tailgate "hook" (that's what I call it) has to be removed. The two things do the same thing, keep the tailgate from being easily removed, but with the correct tool, the "hook" can be taken off in less than 15 seconds. My 22 XLT had the "hook" on the passenger side of the tailgate, only one of them, my truck doesn't have one on the drivers side. if you have the "lock" (with the little key that's needed to remove it, like the pic) that the dealer installed before you picked up the truck, then more than likely your hook is in the truck somewhere or the dealership pitched it..............hope this all makes sense.
My belated thanks to everyone who answered my question; I had all notifications turned off. This was the exact situation. When you get the McGard they take off the "hook," the part I showed in the OP.Only dumb question is the one that you don't ask...........my understanding is the Mcgard tailgate "lock" is an accessory or add on that can be purchased. (I bought one after getting my truck, just not from the dealership) In order to install it, the Ford OEM tailgate "hook" (that's what I call it) has to be removed. The two things do the same thing, keep the tailgate from being easily removed, but with the correct tool, the "hook" can be taken off in less than 15 seconds. My 22 XLT had the "hook" on the passenger side of the tailgate, only one of them, my truck doesn't have one on the drivers side. if you have the "lock" (with the little key that's needed to remove it, like the pic) that the dealer installed before you picked up the truck, then more than likely your hook is in the truck somewhere or the dealership pitched it..............hope this all makes sense.
