OEM Tailgate vs Aftermarket

[Iron Ranger]

The tailgate has "Raptor" liner on the inside and about $150 worth of sealant primer, regular automotive primer, paint, and clear coat, so a new tailgate is out of the question. I think I'll measure up the inside and go with my tubing plan. I am a professional welder and metal fabricator so I'll make it look good. Thanks for all your imput, it'll come in handy on any other project that I may start on.

 

[Forcus]

Just piggybacking on what was said, I would not trust the factory epoxy to hold against moisture. I discovered that my truck was painted maybe 10 years ago and an aftermarket bedside was used on the driver's side. The curves and such are not bad but there is a noticable different in the amount of material under the driver's taillight so factory is usually better. Anyways they left the epoxy on the driver's panel. It has quite a bit of surface rust that needs killed before winter or there are going to be pinholes starting. By contrast, the passenger side is factory with the factory paint (from what I can tell) and no surface rust. So I'd strip the epoxy on any aftermarket panel, or at least scuff and seal on top.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Anything can rust, the bottom door seam on both factory original passenger side doors and the passenger side cab corner on my F-150 are rusting already, at 5 years of age and 49k miles.

I would run with you have until you have a good reason to do otherwise. Take care of your gate and you should get a good couple years years out of it.

 

[philzilla]

theres always 1st and 2nd gen rangers in my local wrecking yards with the tail gates.rust free as Im from san diego....if any of you guys need/want one let me know and I can see what I can do...think they are 50 bucks.

which junk yard is that ? whats the name of it