I’m running a 2015 King Ranch – Ruby Red.
It’s a cool truck BUT it has this “THINGY” on the tailgate (see pics).
It looks like it’s to keep the tailgate in-line with the bed.

Can any on verify or tell what this “THINGY” is for?
MAYBE a guide...but why?

I wann-a take it off and install a light bar BUT the “THINGY” is in the way!

Just need to verify I can remove it…..and what will happen without it!

Thanks for Any-n-All comments….


Where the THINGY is

Where the THINGY is again

Looking down on the THINGY

A Close-up of the THINGY

 

That looks like it's for the optional step support.

 

My old 2005 had something similar (i think most F150's do), but I cut it off and put a lightbar on it. I never had any issues.

 

It is for the step alignment, I don't have the step but the part you refer to was on there. I removed it. No issues 3 years later. It does make it harder to steal your tailgate, but also harder to take it off.

 

I've heard this before but don't understand how it helps with the step alignment. Align to what?

 

I've also wondered what this is for. What alignment is it performing? Is it so the torsion bar is inserted into the left hinge in the correct position?

 

OK...Thanks for the input you guys!

With only a couple bolts to hold it on, it's coming off of my truck!...soon!
THEN the light bar goes on!

Tnx again and be safe!....

 

I noted that it's in place/engaged when the gate is down, some kind of prevention to remove the gate when lowered?

 

This may be the worst ever case of the phrase "I'm Running".
It's highly over used, and used incorrectly -but this one is a fun one to read.

 

So the tailgate does not slide left to right when you step on it.