Hey guys, I've searched far and wide on the forum and can't seem to find a good thread that describes how to swap the tailgate on the 2nd/3rd gen pickup. Mine is totally rusted out around the bottom, I asked around all the salvage yards in my area (LA), was able to find one but the guy wants $200 for it. Can't really afford that so I went online and found a new replacement tailgate for about $110.

Anyone attempted this yet? I have the repair manual but its not telling me much.

Its a 1992 Pickup - 4x4 - Ext Cab Base Model - American made

 

Personally, I'd just go at it. There's no electronics or even a lock on these if I remember correctly so just take of bolts until it comes off. You can't hurt anything.

 

It should be pretty obvious once you get in there, just a few bolts. The difficult part would maybe be the retainer arms that keep it from folding down into the bumper. You'll want a heavy duty (thick) screw driver for these, preferably one that isn't round so you can put a wrench on it for good leverage, depending on how tight it is torqued or siezed.

If you don't find any bolt heads on the visible sides you will need to pull the cover off the gate or the tail lights.

Sorry cold and snowy not going out to look for you I've not searched for any walkthrus but there might be one,
"site:yotatech.com tailgate swap"