year tailgate?
 

What year will fit 80-96 or just 80-86?

In overall dimensions, the tailgates are the same. But through the years they used different brackets, cables, etc. that make interchange a pain in the neck. It's easier to stay close to the same year you already have, but other years can be made to work.

I've done the swap before, and it's not terribly hard, but it is easier if you find a compatible tailgate.

ok thanks. Going to the junkyard in a few mins.

What does the 87-96 tailgate look like on the 80-86? Anyone have pics?
I"m on my second generic that has split apart on me.
I dont know whether to buy a new OEM $$$$ another generic, or find a new style. The old style in good shape is very difficult to find.

Yes, they are....

But I found 3 of them OEM. One on my truck, and two spares.

:-D

Here's a pic when I had tailgate from a 95' mounted on my 85' bed.
Attachment 220601

How much modification was required I am currently an with out a welder

Just for the sake of Completion...

There were three tailgates for the 1980-1986.

1980-1982: EOTZ-9940700-A For use with Metal Support Arms.

1983-1986: E3TZ-9940700-A For use with Support Cables.

And A Service Part that fits both, 1980-1986 but I do not have the number for it.

Just something to think about when you go to the wreckers.

thanks Ill keep that in mind

No welding, just some drilling.

the last time i checked you could get repop tailgates made from o.e. tooling and specs from D.C.. And i was wondering if anyone has bought on of his gates and if they are really worth the $400 he charges. I'd really like to find a nice o.e.m gate, but that just about impossible to do. And since I'm restoring my 86 f150 i'd really like to have atleast a factory looking gate complete with the stamped name on the truck.

The F Series trucks were probably the most produced vehicle ever....I think you can find a tailgate somehere within driving range with web assistance.

1980/96 Tailgates
 

Any part sold by a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer's parts department is a SERVICE PART, as that's what new replacement parts are refered to as.
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E7TZ9940700A .. Tailgate / Fits 1987/91 F150/350 Styleside Pickups / Obsolete

There'a a whole bunch of these still available at Ford Dealers and obsolete parts vendors.
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F2TZ9940700A .. Tailgate / Fits: 1992/96 F150 & F250 (Not Super Duty) Styleside Pickups.

Available from Ford / MSRP: $652.48 // FTEpartsguy.com price: $469.79.

When you type Ford part numbers into websites, remove any spaces or hyphens, otherwise you'll get: NO PARTS FOUND.

EDIT: Look at places that sell Camper Shells, slide in Campers and Tonneau Covers.

Many will have BRAND NEW or nearly new take-off tailgates.

Around here in LA LA Land, there are 100's of these places, with 100's of take-off tailgates for 1980 and later F150/350's and Rangers.

If you just have a caes of the spot welds tearing out,t hey aren't that hard to fix. Just drill a hole through the outer part, and weld back to the frame that joins the inside to the outside. I did mine a while back, and if it weren't for the one mount totally rusting off, i would still be using it. I used to use the tail gate like a work bench when I was scrapping things. I did move in to the curve of the inner structure a bit to get away from the edge more.