(Not very) Safety bracket for tailgate

[sfretwell]

The safety bracket on the passenger side of the tailgate. This is a diagram showing it, got it from another thread. I could probably bend it back into shape by hand but I might end up breaking it entirely.

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[Glen Baker LLC]

So I managed to bend mine way out of whack, and need to replace it. Doesn't strike me as all that safe. Though as long as I'm working on the tailgate I'll probably add dampers too. Anyone know where to buy the bracket from though? Or am I going to have to call the Ford dealer? I can't find it in any of my aftermarket catalogs.

Maybe ?
Could that be the bracket contained in #4 ??

Good Luck

 

[MakinDoForNow]

That is not what this bracket is. You're describing the optional tailgate lock.

It is the safety bracket that prevents the tailgate from lifting out. It has to be removed to install the anti theft tailgate lock. The safety bracket can be replaced/ augmented with the anti theft tailgate lock or with a hose clamp. The anti theft tailgate lock is just harder and takes longer to remove than the safety bracket which is solely there to prevent tailgate from bouncing out. Either or both can be used. Depending on bend in safety bracket it might be straightened enough to work.

 

[fossil]

I suppose if the tailgate was cabled in the "mid" position and unloaded you could bounce it out of the socket with a rough ride. Hammer it out the best you can til it can be replaced, you're not going to destroy it. They generally don't make stamped steel parts from brittle metal.

 

[npaladin2000]

I may just leave it off entirely. Definitely leaving it off for now. But it's...bent.

 

[Don806]

I may just leave it off entirely. Definitely leaving it off for now. But it's...bent.

this piece has to be removed to install the Mcgard tailgate lock. I'm sure there is someone on here who has removed theirs and still has it somewhere that you can get cheaper than buying from the dealership (maybe since postage/shipping is so high priced these days). send me a message, mine was under the backseat of the truck. I'll find out how much to mail it.

 

[Don806]

I may just leave it off entirely. Definitely leaving it off for now. But it's...bent.

the number on it does no good, but pretty sure this is it:

dealer should be able to get it for you for less than I could mail mine.

 

[DWV]

You can likely bend it back into a useable bracket; if not you have only lost a little time.

 

[commadorebob]

You can likely bend it back into a useable bracket; if not you have only lost a little time.

Agree. A hammer and a pair of pliers may save you some money. Worst case, you end up exactly where you are now: needing a new one.

 

[swabbie]

A trip to a salvage yard might help. Mavs are being totaled for minimal looking damage

 

[Ponyprez]

So I managed to bend mine way out of whack, and need to replace it. Doesn't strike me as all that safe. Though as long as I'm working on the tailgate I'll probably add dampers too. Anyone know where to buy the bracket from though? Or am I going to have to call the Ford dealer? I can't find it in any of my aftermarket catalogs.

Isn't that the theft deterrent bracket that you have to remove to remove the tailgate? How did it get bent? I got my tailgate lowering strut and braket from e-bay and it lowers the tailgate softly with no resistance when raising.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Isn't that the theft deterrent bracket that you have to remove to remove the tailgate? How did it get bent? I got my tailgate lowering strut and braket from e-bay and it lowers the tailgate softly with no resistance when raising.

OP answered in post #15

It had nothing to do with lowering a tailgate or a tailgate damper.

 

[rclee]

Ball Peen hammer + Vice + patience is all you need to fix your problem

 

[cannon]

I may just leave it off entirely. Definitely leaving it off for now. But it's...bent.

part # NZ6Z18168A retails for $14.03

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

part # NZ6Z18168A retails for $14.03

Great information.
At that price it sure beats trying to straighten it.

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