What tailgates, are a direct fit for an 85'?

 

80-86 directly fit. BUT, 80-82 had a metal strap, similar to the 70's trucks, and 83-86 has a modern cable.

If youre so inclined, any tailgate up to 96/7 will fit with modification.

 

Thank You!!

 

If you need help fitting newer (up to 96) lmk. I did it about a year ago.

 

Im interested bud.
Whar do ya have to do?

 

Hopefully you get it from a donor vehicle. The hinges on newer gates are smaller so take the hinges. Also take the strikers. Hinges are a 2 bolt swap. Strikers you need to remove your "U" shaped factory striker and locate and drill for the bolt strikers. Also pick up some quarter sized washers to fine tune the hinges incase the gap is too big. Also some to extend the strikers out from the bedwall. The newer gates are a bit narrower than the pre 87s.

 

Here you see the small style difference from a 96 gate on a 86 truck

 

Here you see the holes for the stock U striker and the new installed bolt type striker

 

Finished product. Takes about an hour

 

Sweet! Thanks bud!