Tailgate quality

[strokinblind]

Anybody know of a source for a quality aftermarket tailgate for my 96 F250?
I received one with the truck when I bought it, but it was a piece of junk. I didn't know they made sheet metal that thin.
The one's I've found online for $100-$200, I'm afraid are more of the same.
Ford offers one as original equipment for $500.
Is there anything out there cheaper, but with good quality sheet metal?

[Garbage_Mechanic]

I'm in the same boat, thinking a $250 used one is the way to go, have you tried car-part.com?

[MacDougall]

Yea most of the cheap ones are junk very thin and dent and bend easily, the factory one is actually really durable, but expensive, i think your best bet is a used one.

[highland512]

I have had 3 different tailgates in the past 2 years and the only way to is to get the Ford piece or go to a parts yard and pick one off a wreck. DON'T GET THE AFTERMARKET TAILGATES!