1996 Ford F150 Owner's Manual - Page 112

To release the tailgate: Open the tailgate as directed above, but support it to allow for slack in the cables at both sides. Use a coin or similar object to pry the spring clip (on each upper cable connector) past the head of the support screw. Doing so will allow you to center the wider opening in the connector over the screw head and disconnect it. If you disconnect the upper end of each cable, you can lower the tailgate completely. NOTE: Step bumpers or hitches may damage the tailgate if it is lowered completely. Releasing the tailgate Tailgate removal First release the tailgate as described above. Be sure to support the left side to prevent it from falling. Then raise the tailgate to a 45 degree angle (see the following illustration) and lift the right side of the tailgate off its hinge. You can now pull the left side of the tailgate away from the left hinge. 110