Will a 87-96 tailgate fit on my 1985 long bed?

 

It should, I have one on mine.

 

I noticed some have cables, and some have the solid metal straps. Does this all work out, or are there modifications to the support system and mountings to the bed?

 

To be honest with you Franklin I'm not sure on that one. I have a 1985 bed with a complete bolt up 1990 tailgate. It has the cable style.

 

to put my 2 cents in i own an 86 and also know someone with a 95 full size and the latch systems are different so you will change this and the look will not follow the normal body contour obviouly but if you dont care how it looks go for it