The other day I noticed a newer F250 and the tailgate cap looked much better than my 2001. It looked more substantial and seemed flat across the top. I don't think it had a step either. Can you guys help me pinpoint what year this might be and would it be a direct replacement for my 2001? Thanks in advance once again!

 

Any tailgate from 1999-2016 Super Duty will fit any other year, but the left hinge must match the tailgate as the later tailgate has a torsion lift assist spring inside and the dog on the hinge fits into the recess in the tailgate to actuate the spring.
Either type of left hinge is available from salvage or brand new.

The wide top tailgate started in 2008 when the step was first used. All SD tailgates from 2008-2016 have the wider top whether or not they have the step.

 

Thank you. Since I just want to get the new cap I'm guessing anything from '08 up will fit my tailgate?

 

Only if you have a '08 and up tailgate already if you mean the plastic piece of molding along the top of the tailgate.

An '08 and up "flat top" tailgate molding will not correctly fit your 2001 tailgate.

 

That is just what I needed to know but didn't want to hear. I figured since the gates are interchangeable and look mostly the same I could simply put a '08 cap on my '01.