Recently my tailgate on 04 F150 binds/creaks when opening and closing. It will open/close, but not without some 'backtalk'.

I removed tailgate, cleaned around contact points of hinges (found nothing notable) and then hit them w/white lithium grease. Problem continues.

I suspect a problem with the 'tailgate assist' assembly, but I don't know anything about this assembly. Any help would be greatly appreciated, such as if I am on the right track, and if so, which steps are next.
Thanks for your time.

 

Mine is doing the same. I got the tailgate assist and it still rattles. I applies some silicone to the rotation points and that help a little. My next step will be to make a seal for the tailgate to make it harder to close and therefore keep it in place better