I’ve got an STX, so no fancy tailgate features. What are my options for a soft open or lift assist or something along those lines? The tailgates on these new trucks are massive.

 

You can either pickup the factory which is a little time consuming to install(remove tailgate and tail light) to install the components or you can get a shock kit that mounts on the driver side of the tailgate to the bed off Amazon.

 

This depends on your year model, but if I were in your shoes and could install the factory mechanism, I would do that. I have the 3rd party and it is just OK.

 

it’s a 2021 SuperCrew STX.

 

I put the factory damper on my '20 XLT. It's not a hard job. Just take your time and have someone help you remove / install the tailgate....not that it's hard to do...it's just bulky and expensive to fix if you drop it .

 

Plus it adds real value, IMO, to your truck. My 3rd party hits the cable which in turn has rubbed on the paint. Manufacturer didnt care when I contacted them.

 

Is there any particular place to get the factory one? Other than the dealer? I imagine there's cheaper places to get it?

 

Salvage yard?

You could contact Ford vendors listed here and ask for pricing?

If you know the parts, look on eBay and Amazon.

Since they would be OEM parts, seems a dealer is the most reliable place. But I am sure you know most of this already. Just what I would do. Once I know part numbers, I just start searching the WWW.

 

Quick Google search: "15-21 F150 DeeZee Tailgate Assist 43204 (stage3motorsports.com)"