A step tailgate and mounting hardware system is presented where a tailgate can swing down to a position in order to create an intermediate stepping area. The tailgate has a primary hinge that allows the tailgate to swing down from a first position, to a second position. The tailgate has a bracket system that allows the tailgate to swing down to a third position in order to create an intermediate stepping area. The tailgate can move away from the vehicle by an inner arm. When the end of the inner arm reaches the end of the inside swing the inner arm can swing down by the inner and outer swing arms to a point where the swing arms are perpendicular to the main and inner arms. When the tailgate is in the third position the tailgate is below the truck bed, creating a stepping surface.