I picked up a shell 2008 to present? tailgate from the dealership the other day, because it was a muffed order and apparently the body guy does not know the value of the tailgate.

Anyway it is a shell, no guts. Can I, besides the driver side latch that bolts to the box take the guts from a 2004 tailgate and put them in the 2008? Obviously the handle is different, but the rods should be similar and the latches? Has anyone tried this? Because I am about to.

 

Update; Guts from a 99 and up tailgate will work including the rear access panel. If you were to put a 08 and up tailgate on and have the shell this is what you need to order for it. Think I spent a total of $250 to put a tailgate that goes for $700 not to shabby!

1) 08-up tailgate handle (because the 07 and down is different)
2) The plastic guard (eBay has them for $50)
3) Ford Emblem (unless your lucky and it comes with one)