Sorry for the noob question. I have a '90 Ranger XLT, where the tailgate has the big, brushed metal plate over the middle of it. I decided to take that plate off, only to find that I now have a tailgate with a bunch of holes on it.

I really like the look of the newer tailgates, without the recessed rectangular area in the center, and the stamped FORD lettering.

My question is: Has anyone taken a tailgate off of the Gen III+ Rangers and swapped them in to a Gen II Ranger?

Is it a direct bolt-on, aside from the lines/folds not necessarily matching up?

 

its bigger, ranger beds got wider and taller after 92

 

They are not a direct swap. When I rebuild my last second gen I bought a new tailgate from a local company for 80 dollars. It did not have the Ford stamped into but was still recessed. I had to paint it and swap all of my hardware over but might be a cheap solution for you.

 

Thanks everyone. Good to know that there are experts like you out there who know this or have done it!

I think I will hunt around for a replacement tailgate of the same generation, minus the unsightly holes!

As well, I noticed that LMC has the tailgate "skin" that apparently welds over the original, giving it a raised, but shaved look. Any experience in that?

 

i did the same thing with my 90. Got it from JCwhitney for the same price.

 

I have seen the skins used but rarely. They weld over your current tailgate and relocate the handle to the inside of the bed most of the time. They are a bit labor intensive, but if you have the skills to do it the look is very clean.