silly me....my platinum has the step AND the electric open / close....dont mind me while I go work out (8 ounces at a time)!

 

Tailgates with the step are different than those without. The only way to remove it and not have it look strange is to swap the entire tailgate out with one that doesn't have the step. The few times I've taken mine out to use it, it is minimal weight, so I think you're be disappointed in the weight difference and still have issues even if you do swap it.

 

Agreed i have the tailgate with the step and it is very light. It is by far the lightest tailgate i have ever had. You could add this to give it more assist.

 

Did you mean it was forced on the bed package option, the one with step, tie-downs, lights and electric open/close? My Lariat does not have electric open/close, but it also doesn’t have the other options. I miss the step, but not worried about the other things.

 

I think the step adds about 63lbs to the weight of the truck. Perhaps you should look at swapping out your tailgate for one without the step and rail.

 

Is there a chance that the tailgate is binding in the hinges making it feel heaver than it really is? Or the torsion bar is installed incorrectly and fighting you instead of helping? Even with all the electric stuff in my tailgate it is fairly easy to close. I don't think removing the step is going to make much of a difference. Sounds like the dealer or another dealer needs to find the root cause and solve it.

 

I have a King Ranch and temporarily removed the step to access the applique trim retaining clips, and whilst the step probably only weighs about 20lbs it was enough to upset the balance of the tailgate, in so much that it would only come down about half way.

 

I’d rather have a little heavier lift than have to crawl in and out without the step! What ever it weighs is worth it to me.

 

On my 2009 F250 Lariat, I removed the tailgate step, stripper pole, and tailgate cover. I swapped out the tailgate cover for a traditional style, etc. I sold everything to someone on CL. It made a significant change to the weight.