I can reinforce tailgates on 2nd gen trucks

Recently I reinforced my tailgate on my 06 tacoma. The thing was starting to bend because I carry my dirtbike in the back.

So I needed to find a good quality fix. I looked into diamondplate with a bend instead of the plastic tailgate liner but it was going to cost me more than it was worth. $200+ and the diamondplate is ugly not to mention.

I reinforced it with steel bars and it feels a lot heavier and a lot more sturdy. I also was able to fix the slight bend in my tailgate.

It took me about 2 hours to do with all of the cutting and screwing but it was well worth it.

Unlike the diamondplate, you cannot even tell the tailgate was modified at all.

I know there has been mention on TW before about someone offering their services on stuff like this. Just wanted to offer my services to anyone that was interested in fixing their weak tailgate but don't want to spend the time doing it theirselves.

My tailgate can support 3 adults, can drop the pan of my motorcycle on the center of the tailgate with no damage what so ever. 250lbs plus force.

If anyone is interested or has questions let me know.

I've gotten a lot of ideas from tacoma world and I'm glad I finally joined. I plan on lifting 1.75 with 5100s and getting a 1.5 it 2" aal for the rear. Throwing on some spidertrax wheel spacers and getting 265/65r16 all terrain tires.

 

Welcome to TW Daniel! Any pictures you could share?

 

Yeah, it's already complete but I can Take off the tailgate liner and show and explain what I did. I'll get the pics up in a day or so.

 

Full write-up:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/4838-cheap-free-mods.html#post45520

 

>> I can reinforce tailgates on 2nd gen trucks <<<


So can I.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/138006-home-brewed-tailgate-re-enforcement.html

 

i went the diamond plate route a while back... i put the plastic cover back on afterwards, so it looks mostly stock. just feels a lot stronger.

 

Yeah I ended up using all square tubing. 3/4 for the 48imch section and 1inch for the 16 inch sections. Used screws every 4 inches or so. This tailgate is a durable as it gets.

 

Use quarter inch aluminum diamond plate to cover the inside and also reinforce the tailgate. It will look good and be strong.