1st gen tailgate differences

DaddysTruck · Aug 21, 2016

I was just wondering what the distiction is between trucks that got the FORD lettering, and ones that got the metal panels on the tailgate. I thought it was based on model year, then I saw an early model with a panel type. Could have been swapped I guess, but it made me curious.

85_Ranger4x4 · Aug 21, 2016

Fancier trucks got the metal plate.

97RangerXLT · Aug 21, 2016

yep, what he said ^^

other than the fancy metal plate, tailgate is the same.

AJ

DaddysTruck · Aug 21, 2016

You sayin my truck ain't fancy?

So, the big FORD lettering is underneath the plate?

ford4thot · Aug 22, 2016

DaddysTruck · Aug 22, 2016

rhythim · Aug 22, 2016

^ Yep. Just painted my '86 STX that has the aluminum trim. All of the tailgates are stamped "F O R D", they just drilled a bunch of holes to bolt the trim on.

85_Ranger4x4 · Aug 22, 2016

FWIW aftermarket tailgates do not have the Ford lettering either with or without the trim plate.

proz07 · Aug 22, 2016

85_Ranger4x4 said:
FWIW aftermarket tailgates do not have the Ford lettering either with or without the trim plate.

This comment makes me worry as i just ordered a LMC replacement for my 88 that had the panel. I took the panel off as i thought the same thing here the ford is underneath. And it is but with all the holes for the support bracket and what not it isnt worth my time to fix as the LMC tailgate was 150ish. But now im wondering if it wont have the ford stamped in...

z

85_Ranger4x4 · Aug 22, 2016

It won't. Take your time putting the letter stickers on and few will know the difference.

1qaz · Aug 23, 2016

Original first gen tailgates all started the same. Some got colored lettering. Some got the 'brushed aluminum applique' as a trim option. Underneath they have the same DNA. As with most cosmetic surgery, there are scars...

Bird76Mojo · Aug 4, 2017

Hate to drag up an old thread..

Has anyone had a hard time finding new tailgate bushing for the hinges on 1st gen tailgates? I tried the Dorman 38641 but none of the parts come close to fitting. I'm wondering if I'l have to swap to newer hinges and all to actually have a usable tailgate..

GB

97RangerXLT · Aug 4, 2017

I have seen a 3rd gen with a first gen tailgate...so the hinges might be interchangeable, and the bushings for newer rangers might work

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Bird76Mojo · Aug 4, 2017

I'm starting to wonder if someone used hinges from a different truck.

Leonm1645 · Jan 14, 2018

You can pop off that plate on the front side of the tailgate and remove the screws on the back to get the braces holding the plate on that what i did with my 90 ranger.

1st gen tailgate differences

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