Tailgate Conversion?

No , that is bad ass...

 

I just installed the pop and lock you wont regret it. They use new material now feels just as sturdy as factory and took 10 min to install.

 

They revised them??
Are you speaking from experience with both the older and newer models?

Part # for new model?

 

$210 Pl8540 Pop & Lock – Power Tailgate Smart Lock Combo with Bolt Technology for Toyota Tacoma, Fits 2005 to 2015 Models (OEM Color Black, PL8540)

Pl8540. First one i owned spoke to customer service they revised the material and its netter now to help solve some issues.

 

8540 comes up with electric model.... damn i was hoping they revised the manual one.

 

They did. According to customer service they revised tyat piece not the auto part. Harder plastic etc to reduce failing. Call their customer service they will tell you the new material. Mine feels solid

 

I've heard this story before, last year maybe.

New material. Same issues.

50/50.

 

I think the main point is the average Joe doesn't have the tools, time, or know how to accomplish a task like that.

 

But it's not impossible, extremely difficult, or otherwise.

Like all things, if you can't do it someone else can. People spend $200 for someone to take 2 bolts out and replace shocks. Some do that themselves in their driveway.

Neither person can say "it's impossible/extremely difficult" to change that shock, right? Even when one of those Average Joe's can't do it themselves.

Mountains out of mole hills. If that's what you'd prefer to read then okay. Others will write with a realistic approach.

 

I agree, if someone wants the tailgate bad enough on their 2nd gen then they can pay someone to do it for them.

Replacing a shock requires little skill. Just the tools and know-how. Grafting (is that the right term?) the 3rd gen tailgate sheet metal onto a 2nd gen requires alot more skill compared to just knowing how to operate a jack and a wrench.

 

My point is.. for the cost of a set of KO2s, it's possible!

Convenient, easy, or cheap? No.

Nobody asked if they could do it in their yard, but having a shop do the work instead of (a) replacing the entire bed with a third gen bed and having mismatched body lines and a truck that looks like a salvage title piece meal truck, (b) swapping tailgates that doesn't work due to design differences, and (c) making a new tailgate out of fiberglass..

All suggestions listed here, and it being impossible as well. Point is, it is far from impossible and isn't financially prohibitive for most people on this particular forum.

If someone asks about a mod, saying it can't be done helps nobody. I'm not sure what the debate is about, some people DIY and some people pay for someone else's skill. This is the same situation. No different than mounting a set of tires or getting an alignment.

Anyway, OP has answers and can go from there.