🙋‍♂️ What Did You Do To Your Lightning Today?

[SkyeFox]

I got the tailgate dampener since today from my dealer. $140ish including install but I used my $110 in points toward it. Figured I'd probably never use the points any other way so I was ok with it being a bit expensive.

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[Blochead21]

The non-powered tailgates on the lower trims don't have a soft open, just a lift assist. Ford makes a shock that attaches to directly to the hinge behind the right rear tail-light (FL3Z-99406A10-A). Going to see if it's compatible and can prevent the tailgate from slamming down. A few others here have mentioned wanting to try it, but haven't heard explicit confirmation of success yet. For $70 figured it was worth a shot. Will come back with the results.

Heres the stock hinge:

Here's what I'm hoping to substitute:

I installed the ford one on my truck no issues and works great. A heads up, the torx bolts are on super tight. Take your time with them so you don’t strip them.

 

[laselvasurf]

I installed the ford one on my truck no issues and works great. A heads up, the torx bolts are on super tight. Take your time with them so you don’t strip them.

I had the same experience. The part works perfectly, the only downside is that isn't not color matched. The torx bolts were tough, I recommend using a wrench with a decent breaker bar as using an impact could easily strip things.

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

I had the same experience. The part works perfectly, the only downside is that isn't not color matched. The torx bolts were tough, I recommend using a wrench with a decent breaker bar as using an impact could easily strip things.

I stripped my bolt despite using appropriate tools (torque wrench, correct torx bit with correct fit/depth. No big deal, dealer is fixing for me.

The bolts are way overtightened and mine didn't seem to have any anti-seize on it.

 

[OrangeCrush]

Installed reflective tailgated letter inserts from Etsy. These match the "Lightning" logo with Lightning blue outline and black lettering. Material appears to be thick vinyl and not the solid plastic of the logo. I like it.

 

[laselvasurf]

I got my truck back from the detailer after getting it paint corrected and ceramic coated. There were a few imperfections and some very light scratches that came out easily. The ceramic coating keeps the paint nice for years and makes it so much easier to wash. When I dropped my truck off, he was just finishing up an original Lightning. It was pretty cool to see them side by side!

I also hardwired a Uniden R7 and mounted it.

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

Installed reflective tailgated letter inserts from Etsy. These match the "Lightning" logo with Lightning blue outline and black lettering. Material appears to be thick vinyl and not the solid plastic of the logo. I like it.

That looks nice. The blue doesn't match the blue on the logo in the bottom right though, might just be the picture.

 

[laselvasurf]

I stripped my bolt despite using appropriate tools (torque wrench, correct torx bit with correct fit/depth. No big deal, dealer is fixing for me.

The bolts are way overtightened and mine didn't seem to have any anti-seize on it.

Mine had anti-seize but were incredibly tight. It took a 24" breaker bar and a lot of bodyweight to get them out. I thought for sure I was breaking something...

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

Mine had anti-seize but were incredibly tight. It took a 24" breaker bar and a lot of bodyweight to get them out. I thought for sure I was breaking something...

Yeah, I think my anti-seize was skipped. It was legit smoking as it was slowly starting to loosen. Not a big deal, dealer is taking care of it.

 

[boggle]

Pretty sure the hinge bolts are red loctited from the factory. I don't anticipate Ford thought we'd all watch to change it.

 

[OrangeCrush]

That looks nice. The blue doesn't match the blue on the logo in the bottom right though, might just be the picture.

It is a pretty close match.

 

[asianman35]

Installed reflective tailgated letter inserts from Etsy. These match the "Lightning" logo with Lightning blue outline and black lettering. Material appears to be thick vinyl and not the solid plastic of the logo. I like it.

Could you share a link to the letters?

 

[OrangeCrush]

Could you share a link to the letters?

Choose "CUSTOM" option when ordering and on the next step just leave a note it's a "Black with the lightning blue outline". Custom option is in this listing: https://www.etsy.com/listing/139363...ick_sum=5cca2829&ref=shop_home_active_4&crt=1

 

[MJDore]

Installed my tonneau today. Leer soft SR250. Good quality. I’m pleased with it.

 

[brewski]

Turns out the workspace up front is a perfect changing table. Highly recommend.

Oh boy...I see some extra clean up occurring at some point. Yikes.