hey, finally posting here since i got my pickup... its basically a mint 94 pickup 4x4 with a rebuilt 22re with 32K miles on the motor and clutch, and ALOT of new parts (very well maintained)

The Story- I drove the truck upstate this weekend to pickup my motorcycle (250lbs), used some wood as a ramp to put it in the bed with no problem, when i got home i went to take the bike out, and as the rear wheel and my right foot are on the tailgate i feel something drop, i quickly got the bike and myself off the truck and made sure there was no damage...
the tailgate still opens and closes fine, but the inner sheet metal i guess you can call it, basically dropped down 3-5 inches, now if this is normal and once the whole thing has collapsed itll be sturdy till the end of time so be it, but if this is a sign that the tailgate on these trucks are weak, is there a common method to beef up the tailgate

Thanks

 

I have no suggestion for repairing or beefing up the tailgate, but if you end up taking it off and want a "gate" of sorts, I hear the Net things are pretty effective and actually (according to mythbusters) yields the best gas milage for a pick up.

 

the tailgate works perfectly, but if the inner sheet metal is going to collapse every time theres weight on it, eventually (i assume) it wont work anymore