(5$) Tail-Gate Strengthening MOD - 2005 Tacoma

After folding my tailgate from Loading a 900lb motorcycle, I realized I needed to do something to fix it and make myself OK with my tail-gate again.. Ive had Chevy's my whole life, and was simply not ok with this so-called tail-gate that had no structural integrity..

So we found some 1/8th inch angle iron at the metal yard for $5 dollars and cut it to the width of the tail-gate, cut out some holes to allow original bolts to hold in the top-piece, and used a couple bolts and nuts to squeeze the new support piece into the tail-gate..

And Wallaah, now it can support three large-grown-men sitting on it and doesnt even show a sign of weakness. I feel it's now stronger than my old chevy tail-gates..

 

There are people on here that sell this mod. Looks good, you should powdercoat it though. I would be hesitant about putting rusty metal to metal contact.

 

Interesting

There are some solutions available from several vendors on TW as well FYI

 

You might catch me doing this..

 

I like it and only cost $5? That's a winner right there BTW thinking like a true Marine: do more with less

 

Toyota should be ashamed of this so called tailgate they manufacture.
I've owned a few piece of shit Chevy's over the years and not one had such a weak tailgate.

 

Oorah! and thanks for the feedback.. Live near the ocean so my truck is literally rusting out from under me. Driving in it hasn't helped either.. Was going to powder coat the new tailgate piece, but haven't taken the time after building a new rear bumper and now digging into the timing chain replacement project.. Surprised to find out how little info there is out there about the actual process..

But I will pull my tailgate piece out soon and get it powder coated. I will also post more pics when I pull it apart to show how simple it is. Can't believe how much weight it holds now..

Cheers

 

Yeah keep us updates with pics. Semper Fi

 

Just a matter of knowing where to look. Searching TW for "tailgate reinforcement" gives a few links and save you from reinventing the wheel... many sellers provide instructions on how to remove the parts necessary to reinforce the tailgate. Props for saving some serious cash on the mod!

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/352334-relentless-tailgate-reinforcement-diy.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/group-buys/253751-05-tacoma-tail-gate-reinforcement-group-buy.html

 

Thanks Ziggynagy, but I was actually talking about how little info there is out there about replacing my timing chain.. I am going through that process right now and documenting with pictures here:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...cement-process-w-pictures-2005-2-7-vvt-i.html

I DID however find a service manual in PDF format for my 2005 tacoma that just finished downloading.. Very stoked about that.. But surprised how little info is on the internet ..

Cheers

 

It's not in the manual?

 

The FSM I downloaded has directions, and refers to other sections through out it that seem to be not included in what I downloaded.. :{

 

As soon as I'm done with my current project, I will be pulling my tailgate
bracket off and powder coating, posting step-by-step directions and pictures, and then attacking the rest of the rust on the truck that I have let accumulate from the beach driving.. I will be documenting that procedure as well in another post..