Crunched tailgate on 2004 Sport Trac

[Deadflush]

I haven't been on here in a while, but really had a great experience and terrific help last year
OK here goes. I don't pay attention all the time. Wife and I were picking up piles of grass in our big country back yard, and I forgot I had the tailgate down, was backing up and naturally backed into a tree Now my tailgate is crunched. can someone please either refer me to an existing help or thread here how I can remove it (easily I hope)? It's a 2004 Sport Trac Explorer. Man do I feel dumb. thanks everyone. Deadflush

 

[05dakotatrac]

the tailgate is specific to the sport trac and the 97-03 F150 step side

 

[01STrunner]

I don't know of any threads on here but it's extremely simple.

Unclip the support cables on each side. Make sure to support the gate so it doesn't fall down into the bumper.

Tilt the gate to about a 30-45* angle

There's a little gap on the right hand side peg that will allow you to pull the gate towards the back and off the RHS peg just enough to clear it.

Then slide the whole gate to the right so it slides off the left hand side peg.

I can post pictures tomorrow if you want a little more guidance. And 05dakotatrac is correct that you'll need a replacement gate from another 01-05 ST or 97-03 F150 Stepside

 

[Deadflush]

Tailgate crunch

Runner....thanks. I figured it was something simple, but not being a motorhead, wasn't sure! I'll tackle that first thing in the morning. I have a buddy who can find stuff, and hopefully can get a replacement from a salvage yard somewhere soon. Lucky for me he paints too! nite and thanks again...

 

[Deadflush]

Runner: Well that took me all of about 30 seconds! Thanks again!!

 

[01STrunner]

Sweet! Hopefully you can find a replacement.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/pts/3923813996.html

Not sure if this helps, and no, it's not mine. Just saw it a few minutes ago.