Dumb question, but would a 1977 Ranger tailgate fit a 1982 Ford F100? I've found one in darn good shape but wasn't sure if it would work.

 

I don't know if it make a difference or not but would this be for a flare side or style side truck?
Dave ----

 

Style Side, not flare side..

 

None of the mounting hardware is the same 1973/79 vs 1980/82.

1980/82 is also different than 1983/86. For one thing, 1980/82's have the latches made as part of the tailgate supports (scissors).

 

I'm assuming you mean the supports on each side when you lower down the tailgate.

 

Styleside tailgate supports (some people call 'em scissors) shown as 44400 in pic.

They're the same right/left: 1964/66 F100/250 2WD; 1966 F100 4WD; 1967/79 F100/350.

Notice that the latch (431D76-only the right side is shown) is separate from the support, but on 1980/82's they're a one piece assembly.

The 1983/86 tailgate has separate latches, but use cables instead of the metal supports.

 

Thanks Bill... You are a ridiculous wealth of info! Other than that, would the tailgate work if I could "mod" the latches?

 

Actually I just checked mine, which is an 82, and they are separate also. See the attached pic.

 

This is not the latch, this is the striker plate for the latch. 1980/82: The latches are made as part of the supports.

This striker (E3TZ-99431D54-B replaced EOTZ-99431D54-A) is the same: 1980/91 F100/350. 1973/79 are different (see 431B54 in pic in post #6).

Edit applications: 1980/89 F100/350 & 1983/91 Ranger.

 

Thanks Bill.. Still a bit confused... So if I was to get the hardware with the 77 tailgate, would that not work?

Please excuse my ignorance! lol!

 

Anyone know for sure?

 

I beg to differ. The 87 tailgate I had on my 84 used a different style striker, more like one you would see on a door.

 

You sure it was a 1987 tailgate and not a 1990 or 1991 tailgate?

1990/91 is different than 1980/89, see my edited (corrected) post #9.

 

"Could" be a 90-91. It was an 87-91 style, owner told me 87.

 

My '87 has a stud with a torx head very similar to the door striker post.