Was wondering if anyone knows what the rods are made out of and how thick they are I'm needing to replace them and none of the junkyards have them and Toyota wants 110 dollars for both of them so was looking into buying some rod and making them myself but don't know how long they are when there straight and mine are almost bent in half. Also to make this a little clearer this is for a 1994 pickup 4x4.... Thanks for any help

 

The rods are steel but I don't know the exact type/hardness. I would suggest you straighten out the ones you have and use that as a starting point ie cut the rod a little long and adjust to fit as required. the latches can be removed from the sides and the excess rod allowed to stick out if you had to.
Check the online FSM's link there may be a picture of the assembly to go from.

 

I have an extra tailgate if you want it. The gate itself is in bad shape but the rods and everything else is there minus the handle. Ill sell it for 15$ Let me know. Im in IL. I could ship if you want. I also have a whole 1990 4x4 Pickup that Im parting. If you need anything else just let me know

 

i think I'm going to just try and fab my self some new rods now to figure out what there made of i don't know if its aluminum or a soft steel and how thick they are I'm going with about 3/32 of an inch somebody correct me if that's wrong or if u know what there made of.