Should the tailgate look like this? (Question answered)

[dillon_116]

I do not have much knowledge on vehicle parts, but this seems wrong.
Noticed this as I was preparing to install my bed cover. I picked up my Maverick this past Saturday (2/25/23). Only found it as I was reaching for something and felt my finger get wet…
It appears I am missing a piece on 1 side.
I’ve added a photo of both sides for comparison.

Anyone else hear of this happening and what is the part that it is missing? Should I expect any delays in having it fixed if I take it to a dealer by me? (I purchased through another dealer 80 miles from me.)

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[OrCoaster]

I do not have much knowledge on vehicle parts, but this seems wrong.
Noticed this as I was preparing to install my bed cover. I picked up my Maverick this past Saturday (2/25/23). Only found it as I was reaching for something and felt my finger get wet…
I’ve added a photo of the other side of the tailgate to compare.

Anyone else hear of this happening and what is the part that it is missing? Should I expect any delays in having it fixed if I take it to a dealer by me? (I purchased through another dealer 80 miles from me.)

I am not sure what it is you are worried about. Can you be more descriptive with your concern/ problem.
What is wrong? What did you find that concerns you?

 

[Dad]

Grease for the gate hinge is normal. I suppose it could've been done with better protection from the elements, but mine looks the same.

 

[dillon_116]

Grease for the gate hinge is normal. I suppose it could've been done with better protection from the elements, but mine looks the same.

I was just curious why 1 side has the piece I circled and the other does not, where the grease is oozing out.

 

[dillon_116]

I am not sure what it is you are worried about. Can you be more descriptive with your concern/ problem.
What is wrong? What did you find that concerns you?

Sorry, see my reply above. Looks like I am missing a part where the grease is visible. I’ve included additional pictures with circles of the area of my concern.
Was not sure if only 1 side has the piece on the hinge that I circled.

 

[bob56]

so you can remove the tail gate

 

[Dad]

I was just curious why 1 side has the piece I circled on one side and the other does not, where the grease is oozing out.

Oh, I see now your concern. Valid.
I'll have to check mine during the day to see if mine is like that.

 

[OrCoaster]

so you can remove the tail gate

That is what I was thinking. On my 1996 Ranger the left side has that socket and post setup and the right side has a flattened post. You undo the tailgate cables and tilt the tailgate about half way and pull it to the right and it comes out of the flattened side. Then you just swing it off and try not to drop it.

 

[dillon_116]

That is what I was thinking. On my 1996 Ranger the left side has that socket and post setup and the right side has a flattened post. You undo the tailgate cables and tilt the tailgate about half way and pull it to the right and it comes out of the flattened side. Then you just swing it off and try not to drop it.

Ahh ok. Thanks for the info! Got me a little worried and made no sense how I could be missing a piece.
Much appreciated!

 

[KdeB]

Funny, I had the same concern! Didn’t notice this until after we brought the truck home after having the spray-in bed liner applied.

Then, looking at it with the tailgate down, that round white plastic piece on the right side seemed to jump out at us … it didn’t look right, compared to the left side, and we were wondering if the spray- in bed liner guys forgot a piece when they put the tailgate back on.

So I took a photo, like you did (below) and posted it here, asking the same question. A few people responded right away that yep, their tailgates looked the same.

 

[Old Man]

That's why Ford sells a tailgate hinge lock so that someone doesn't come along and steal the tailgate.

By the way, is your truck Cactus Gray? My tailgate is all scratched. Is Brooksville anywhere near Miami?

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