Tailgate needed, bad!
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 55
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Tailgate needed, bad!
Guys I have a battle weary tailgate for an 85 F-250. After 17 years of hard work, the bad boy is shot out, theirs huge cracks in the corner, dents, scratches (which are the least of my worries, they add character!) and its extremely hard to open and close the gate. I need one, but can't find one. I have some questions.
I've heard that replacement gates out of catalogs are weak, and not worth the money? ANy truth to this?
Can I order a replacement gate from the factory, from Ford Motor company?
I've looked through many a junkyard, and can't find a suitable replacement. ANy suggestions and options and comments is much appreciated. :-X12
I've heard that replacement gates out of catalogs are weak, and not worth the money? ANy truth to this?
Can I order a replacement gate from the factory, from Ford Motor company?
I've looked through many a junkyard, and can't find a suitable replacement. ANy suggestions and options and comments is much appreciated. :-X12
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Tailgate needed, bad!
Normally, I try to use newer parts, but unless you're ready to do some drilling, tapping, &/or welding on the bed, you'll have to stay with the old t/gs. The newer ones have different catches. Where are you? I can probably find one here in Memphis (38118), but I don't know if you'd want to pay shipping on top of the cost.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
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Tailgate needed, bad!
Im out in southern new jersey sooo, lol. Actually my friends grandfather had a tailgate off an 89 F-250, it was BEAUTIFUL!! Perfect shape, taken off the truck cause it was a tow truck, diamond plate on the back, and exact color of my truck. Unfortunately, I had neither the time, tools, or know how to switch tailgates. Thanks for the offer, I appreciate it. Any info about a ford factory tailgate though?
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
Tailgate needed, bad!
big85blue, I can not say it loud enough. Don't get a generic tail gate if you plan on opening it and using it. You will regret it badly.
This is what you will be saying about the second time you use it, "
piece of generic tail gate"
This is what you will be saying about the second time you use it, "
piece of generic tail gate"
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Tailgate needed, bad!
I think the 85 'Gate may be compatable with the later ones, my 86 has cable supports, but, I'm unsure about the latches themselves.
Evan
86 F250 HD XLT Lariat Explorer 4x4 ex. Extended Cab: 460 with factory 2.25" catless duals to the muffler(still running the stocker aaargh)
/T19(syncroed granny low)/BW 1345/3.55 geared Full Floater 10.25 and Dana 50 TTB/ 265/75R16 Hankook FR04's on 16x8 Whitespokes(street tires... Need mudders)
78 F150, 351M/C6, eventually to be repowered with a 400
Evan
86 F250 HD XLT Lariat Explorer 4x4 ex. Extended Cab: 460 with factory 2.25" catless duals to the muffler(still running the stocker aaargh)
/T19(syncroed granny low)/BW 1345/3.55 geared Full Floater 10.25 and Dana 50 TTB/ 265/75R16 Hankook FR04's on 16x8 Whitespokes(street tires... Need mudders)
78 F150, 351M/C6, eventually to be repowered with a 400
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 3
From: Nebraska
Tailgate needed, bad!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 16-Dec-02 AT 01:29 PM (EST)]Nope, the latches are different from 87-on. The mounts at the bottom are also different I believe.
I too have heard bad things about the aftermarket tailgates.
Our factory gates aren't the strongest design anyway, why would you want to get anything weaker? Plus all of the aftermarket ones I've seen don't have FORD stamped across them. But I guess that wouldn't matter to you guys with the later XLT's with the aluminum trim panel.
--------------
1995 F-150 Supercab XLT 155" 4x4 M5OD 302
1986 F-150 4x4 NP435 300
I too have heard bad things about the aftermarket tailgates.
Our factory gates aren't the strongest design anyway, why would you want to get anything weaker? Plus all of the aftermarket ones I've seen don't have FORD stamped across them. But I guess that wouldn't matter to you guys with the later XLT's with the aluminum trim panel.--------------
1995 F-150 Supercab XLT 155" 4x4 M5OD 302
1986 F-150 4x4 NP435 300
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 55
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Tailgate needed, bad!
Thanks a lot guys. I've heard quite a few horror stories about the tailgates, and I'll definetly take your advice on not getting an aftermarket one. Oddly enough I don't remember if I said it or not, but my friend handed me a brand new, never been used tailgate off his 250 towtruck, diamondplated, it was gorgeous, but wouldn't fit cause it was an 89. Plus, back to aftermarket, if I get a tailgate, I want FORD stamped on the back of it so everyone knows!! I called my dealership and they said they still make them from the factory, for 340 bucks!! Any one know if thats a good price or am I getting the old high and hard?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 359
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From: Northern Virginia
Tailgate needed, bad!
Car-parts.com lists one available in New Jersey. It is off a an F100 (but they list it for a 250); are they interchangable?
Check the web site and try nearby states, you may have some luck.
Raul
Check the web site and try nearby states, you may have some luck.
Raul
