I searched and didn't find any threads dedicated to identifying unknown parts for 13th gen trucks so thought I'd start one. Mostly because there are two parts I was wondering about lol.
This isn't just for me so feel free to post about any parts you're not sure about!

1. There's a metal tab that sticks out of the bottom of my tailgate. When opening the gate, it swings through a bracket attached to the truck that has a slot in it. At first, I thought it was some kind of third hinge but it doesn't seem to serve an obvious purpose. My guess is some kind of locator tab or maybe it prevents side-to-side play in the tailgate? It seems that not all tailgates have this.


Top-down view:


2. Access panel between floor shifter and cup holders (under the rubber mat). Found this accidentally while cleaning out the mat. Haven't opened it yet as I couldn't get my nail to release it.

 

#1 gets asked every once in a while, can't remember answer to.
#2 is in your owners manual -an access panel to remove the vehicle from park if the brake switch fails.

 

Did you look under your cup holder mat yet?

 

lol yes I do know about that one at least

 

#1 has been contemplated. I think it is related to the added torsion bar with tailgate steps. To make sure it is fully inserted before the tailgate drops down, and to make sure it can not slide out.
Seems some members have removed it with no issue.

 

Interesting, thanks. I'll do some reading on the torsion bar but that's good to know. I'd like to remove it so I can install a LED light bar.

 

The first part is a left-handed discombobulator, the second part is the thingamabob cover.

 

I think you can remove it. Nobody here has reported any issues.

 

It helps hold the tailgate in position when using the tailgate step, so you don't get wear on the paint on one side or the other as it moves with the weight.

 

That's interesting. Does the tailgate move that much with or without the ladder? I'm curious to see where it wears the paint.