TAILGATE Lift-assist?
 

My new 2017 XLT says it has the tailgate step with tailgate lift assist. Does any one know exactly what the lift part means? It doesn't seem any easier to lift to me!

Torsion bar system. F150's have had them since at least 09, to assist in the lifting with the gate step. However all f150's got them. You wouldn't believe how heavy the gate is without it.

Not sure about tail gate with step but I installed factory assist on my 15 [no step] and it does not aid in lifting the gate but but it does allow the gate to open and lower slowly with out slamming down.

That is not the "lift" assist. That is a shock to dampen the lowering tailgate. I installed that too. That being said, I have the tailgate step, and I have no idea what a "lift assist" is. The OP has an XLT and I don't think the XLT could be bought with the lowering dampener.

I would. I removed the tailgate to install the tailgate lowering shock. That is one heavy mother. If I ever do it again, I will ask a friend to help me.

rlils1 I stand corrected on lift assist and lowering damper.
I installed the Ford damper on my 15 XLT, it was not available as an option but Ford wisely installed the ball mount needed on all trim levels making it a simple bolt in.

Lift assist is the handle you pull out to help lift your own self into the truck

All tailgates with the built in step have lift assist - its a torsion bar in the bottom of the tailgate. the regular tailgates do not have this bar. I know this because I bought my truck with a regular tailgate then changed it out with a step tailgate

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...44faa19ca6.jpg

It's a torsion bar system inside the gate to aid the lifting to close it. I have it on my 2010, and I don't have a step in the gate. All tailgates since 09 have "lift assist." It was listed on my window sticker as well

Might not anymore because they are aluminum now. But my 2010 stx has the torsion bar in the gate, as I mentioned I don't have a step

The regular aluminum tailgate is half the weight of the tailgates with a step. I had to change the left bracket on my truck to accept the torsion bar when I switched them over.

The torsion bracket is mounted - the regular tailgate bracket without a torsion bar on bumper
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.f15...5e6c362b68.jpg