It's not the same.

I'm willing to bet that they are the same dimensions, but the '18+ use a completely new set of dies. Nothing is shared with the '15 to '17 trucks.

 

I was referring to the difference between a '17 with the step and one without??

 

Ok. Same difference. All the same dies are used to stamp the step/non step tailgate, but there are pieces of the non-tailgate step that are trimmed out to make it into a step tailgate. There are reinforcements in the tailgate that also couldn't be added, even if you could trim the metal, that couldn't be added without completely ripping apart the two main pieces.

You can't add the step.

 

Just an FYI. I have a step in my '16 but I looked into what putting one would cost for a friend. You would be looking at $1700-2100 to do it. Ford does not sell the tailgate complete and you would have to purchase all the parts.

Best way to do it would be start researching and find one at a wrecking yard (or now known as a recycling center). You could always paint it to match.

To retrofit a tailgate with step is an expensive proposition. Much cheaper to have ordered it with the truck.

 

I may grab this one. I like that it's cheap and easy to pop off if I want to for hauling long boards that I didn't want to rub on it with the tailgate down.

Sounds like they added some rubber bumpers to keep it quiet, and better strap to hold it tight when stowed. I definitely do not like the idea of drilling into the tailgate. Wonder how aluminum would hold the screws over time? Also it sounds like the hardware will tend to rust quickly. I don't mind replacing the screws with higher resistant metal but that won't help if the latter itself rusts.

I had the bumper step thingy on a previous F150. It was ok, but I would rather try a different one this time. It collected a lot of mud/dirt and was kinda hard to push down. Also I forgot it down more than once and noticed it after a long drive.

 

OK Guys try this link.....
They might have your color available right now !
https://www.hollanderparts.com/

 

Buy used tailgate color of your truck sale the original for about $500 less be done with it. Make sure next time you get this option. Another really nice option is the large tank...both to me are must haves. Sorry you didn't get it when you bought but you won't regret having it one bit!!

 

I have run the Amp Research Bed Step on the last 2 trucks I have had. It works great with the tailgate up or down, and is very easy to deploy and put back away. Around $200, and is very well made.

 

Up until the dawning of the age of aluminum it’s was two different tailgates.

With the new design where the assist pole pulls out the top of the gate, it looks like one tailgate. I’m also seeing google searches on the topic showing me parts costing about $400 to do it. More to come after the weekend.

 

I can tell you it is still two different tailgates. As stated before, the outer shell is thw same but that is all. Both steps even use different hinges since the 15+ step gate has a torsion rod in it to assist with lifting.
Im speaking from experience on this as I changed my gate over to a step gate.