Gen 2 Tailgate

[Scott Conley]

I have an 07 Limited. The plastic moulding across the top of the tailgate broke on me (I load things in it every week, using that as a pivot point).

I ordered it for only $40, but I have a questions about removing the inside liner of the tailgate.

I see 4 plastic tabs across the top, a line of torx screws in the middle, and then 4 plastic tabs at the bottom.

I'd like to try and salvage anything that's not already broken-is it possible to remove those tabs and reuse them? I've had experience in the past where I've attempted to remove plastic tabs and broken them in the process.

Thanks...

 

[CobraXP]

When I pulled the tabs on the plastic liner to put in the rear camera and handle, I tried to reuse the tabs. They looked to be in good condition, but after about a week of normal driving and use of the tailgate, 3 of the pins were gone. I ended up just buying a new pack from Ford. I think they were $4.88 for all of the pins on the gate. That was jsut the pins - not the screws too - but still not bad. I would reuse them if you can, but know they are not that much to buy more...

 

[Adam Smith]

OK, good advice, but what is the best way to remove the plastic tabs? I have to drive down to the junkyards at the MEX border and pull a tailgate apart so I can install my current (dented) tailgate locking mechanism so the ignition key will work in the tailgate, too.
2004 XLT Sport Trac

 

[Todd Z]

once its all apart dont just yank, it has hooks that you need to slide it first.

 

[Adam Smith]

can you explain? where are the hooks, and where do you slide? I can't find a video on YT for removing tailgate liner. thanks.

 

[Todd Z]

Once you remove the screws and i think a few plastic fasteners, just slide it a little, you will figure it out, once the big cover is off, remove the plastic pins fot eh top cover and then pull the sucker off.
I just took mine off 5 years ago, drilled holes for Christmas tree fasteners, pushed them in and done..... Yeah i see a few of them But don't care, ill never have to replace it...

 

[Adam Smith]

I used #30 torx to remove the screws near the top of the tailgate liner, now I just have to figure out how to get the plastic fasteners out; I guess I just pull hard? I think they are what you call xmas tree fasteners, so they should be cheap to replace. LMK if you have any tips for removing these fasteners, I tried prying up on them with a screwdriver, didn't seem to work. I don't want to wreck the liner. thanks.

 

[Todd Z]

gently... but easy...

 

[dvdswan]

starting at 0:20 he shows how to remove the tailgate trim panel.