Options for new tailgate. Compatible years in used or aftermarket?

Hey folks. Quick question on a tail gate. My new to me 2006 had the tailgate smacked and wrinkled pretty good from the previous owner. It still opens and hangs correctly but its all dented up and kind of looks like crap given its about the only dent on the rest of the truck.

I had a quick estimate from a body shop of just under $1200 Cdn. for a new aftermarket one, swap out the guts, and paint to match. I was advised that it wouldn't be worth the effort (labour wise) to spend the labour costs of filling the old one with bondo, etc. and then repainting. I'm OK with that as I don't want something gobbed up with bondo.

My question is about options. Are their compatible years of tailgates that would fit and are the same as the 2006? In other words, if I call the wreckers, could I ask for a tailgate from a 2006-2012 or something or were there changes in the design?

In terms of aftermarket, keep in mind that I am in Canada so shipping from a US supplier or an Amazon link or something is likely to be insane and not worth my while.

Looking for options and hopeful to not just dump excessive $$$ at a body shop. I think that the tailgate price alone from the body shop in the quote was $500.

Thanks for any help!

 

What about a used one from private sale or junk yard? Also, I believe you could have the skin replaced on the tailgate, instead of bondo. Probably still a good chunk of man hours.

 

Yes. Lots of man hours.

For sure, a private sale or wrecker one could work however what is the compatibility? Is a 2006 tailgate the same as a 2012 or 2009?

 

I believe all 05-15s tailgates should be the same

 

05-15 Are all the same. Only changes would be the badging on the gate "forerunner, sr5...." These are easily removable however.

Do keep in mind when looking at used tailgates their condition. Many people say the stock tailgate is quite weak and bends real easy from to much weight such as a motorcycle. Basically the ribs inside get crushed. (I bought a reinforcement piece just in case for mine)

 

Good to know. That broadens my search quite abit if I go the used route.