So I did some searching a while back and found nothing on this.

I dont ever use my step and was having the common issues of the trip pulling off and step not sitting flush. Looked at some pics of used tailgates on ebay, the holes for the trim retainers looked similar so I figured I give it a shot just removing the step/trim and putting the non step tailgate trim on.

Not intended as a DIY write up at all, its relatively straight forward. Happy to answer questions.

Ordered FL3Z-9941018-AA
Pulled the step assembly and tailgate trim, some clips dont have holes in the tailgate with step but it snapped right in. Doesnt have quite as much support as the non step tailgate but its definitely sturdy and on there. Also had to pull the tailgate, remove the pivot with the torsion spring and cut the spring bar.

Tailgate is substantially lighter now. Totally happy with the result. I may make a support panel to replace the section that the trim retainer holes are missing at some point but honestly its pretty good as is.

Hope this helps someone.

 

Sorry if I sound like a dick, but there are probably 1000s of guys with non step trucks that would have traded you, why not just got that route?

 

2 words: paint match. Maybe easier for some colors but myself I have Bronze Fire which is impossible to find. I'm also in a rural area of the country with a low population density

I did this at one point BUT I have the factory tailgate assist thing that makes it ease down instead of just drop. It's strong enough that if you delete the step it holds the gate open at a 45 degree angle instead of letting it all the way down. I said screw it and put the step back because the half drop was more annoying

 

Yes sir I paid $900.00 (cdn.) for a immaculate oxford white tailgate for my 2016 crew.... Whish I had known op was a unhappy step owner??

 

Seemed unlikely to find the same tailgate without a step locally. Most I have seen have the step.

Plus the dealer put a fair scratch in the middle of the sheet metal last time it was in - no idea how

 

The drop assist is the same for both with and without step - with step has a torsion bar in the bottom of the tailgate that offsets the additional weight and makes it sit half open without the step installed - just removed mine as shown

 

'One Less Sprinter'

 

I know what Im going to do now...

 

There are two 8mm head bolts in the bottom right of the tailgate that hold the bracket inside that the bar slips into. Loosen but dont remove these, take the left side pivot bracket off the bottom of the tailgate and the bar will slip out with the bracket/pivot. I cut mine with an angle grinder, re-tightened the 8mm head bolts on the right and re-installed the bracket on the left. Took like 20 minutes. You can also order the new pivot insert without the bar but I didnt want to wait/pay.

 

Might just be me, but all this sounds like a solution in search of a problem. This is the first I`ve heard of anyone actually wanting to do this. To "me", that`s right up there with removing the power steering to go back to manual to save weight. Lol