After all the talk. and IFs. I got my 08 tailgate today. Found it on ebay a take off from new truck that had a liftgate installed. White same as my truck and all hardware included. Stole it for $355. Its not the model with step but I dont need one anyway. They are NOT direct replacment. due to the torsion spring lift assist. But it dont take alot to make it work. The best method by all means would be get the 2008 left hinge (the one on the truck) from a dealer or the truck you get the gate from. But because of it being Saturday and my eagerness to get the gate on I chose to fab my own. I had a four hour trip home from picking up the gate to design it. So here's what I did. Remove the stock hinge cut of the old dish that our gate piviots on and welded in a piece of 3/4 solid round rod. groud two flats on it. painted and Installed took less than an Hour. the right side is the same as the older models no mods needed. The best of my masurments says the latches in the sides are diffrent and of course the handle is diffrent the cover plate could be reused from your old gate if you wish. Fitment is great if youre really pickey you'll notice that it bows out a little more at the tailights. probaly because the thicker tailights in the 08. other than that a great conversion. And finally many questions and myths put to rest. Any Questions I can awnser or help I can offer let me know. Also check out in my gallery some step by step pictures of making the hinge work. and the finshed product.

2003 F250 crew cab lariat with 2008 tailgate swap

 

Wow I figured as big of topic as this has been it would have gotten more replies.

 

Just saw this topic.... I'm jealous man...you sure as hell did steal that tailgate for $350. Post some pics of how you mounted it if you can.

 

Look in my Gallery. Thanks

 

Fantastic job man... I want one with the step and grab handle sooo bad

 

You Need one. I just looked thru youre gallery. Thats awsome looks great. But I perfer to bump the garage floor instead of the Garage door.

 

I like your exhaust... nice little touch notching out the bumpers. Tailgate.. well, looks like a tailgate.

-Jay

 

^^ Thanks Yea just a tailgate But I never cared for that bubble in the 99-07 Gate I was looking into shaving it and the handle when I saw the 2008 Gate so swaping was the simplest method. The bumper notiching was to clean up the rear a little I also flipped the reciver hitch so its behind the flip down plate.

 

Ratical looks great, nice write up too !

 

dude you need one with a lift hoist !!!!

 

^^ Thanks I figures it may be useful with all people wanting the step gate.

 

good mod. I just saw this thread, but I have seen the tailgate with step and handle in commercials the last couple of days and was thinking.."man, I wonder if I can do that swap."


Jay

 

Ratical, great report! Rep points, everyone! Give 'em some!

 

Wow man it looks awesome good job looks like a pro did it great lookin truck you have

 

^^ Thanks you guys, I'm getting alot of complments in town also.