'04 tailgate same as '02?

[MojaveJoe]

Hey guys,



Need your help here.



Im trying to determine if one of those louvered tailgates for a 5th wheel will fit on my 04 Ram. The listing for it says fits 95-02 Dodge.



Anyone have any idea if the hinge pivot points or latching points on the bed changed from 02 to 04?



TIA for your thoughts and advice,

Joe

 

[HOBrian]

Just a guess but, I would think that there is a difference between a 2nd gen and a 3gen tailgate. The bed height might bedifferent, and the width of the tailgate might be different also. I think the 3rd gens are more narrow in the back than 2nd gen trucks. Just my . 02

 

[klenger]

The 2nd gen tailgates will not fit, but there are tailgates designed for the 3rd gens. Sometimes the mfg's will specify that they will fit 2002 and newer trucks, which is partially true since the 3rd gen sheet metal was introduced on the 1500's in 2002. Here's the one I got. http://www.strombergcarlson.com/page4.html and here's a pic of it on my truck #ad

 

[dhill]

Klenger



What's that thingy on the cab? Looks like it might be a 5th wheel hook-up camera.



Dave

 

[ceaman]

Klenger



What's that thingy on the cab? Looks like it might be a 5th wheel hook-up camera.



Dave

Id say its his satilite radio antenna...



(I hid my backup camera in my third brake light. )

 

[klenger]

Id say its his satilite radio antenna...

Correct, Sirius Sat Antenna.

 

[Grizzly]

I kept my chrome V notched vented tailgate from my 95 Dodge/Cummins dually to use on my 05 Dodge/Cummins. No part of it fits the new truck. The tailgate is for sale. Grizzly

 

[Warwagon]

I can confirm that they are not the same. Had a louvred tailgate for my 99 and now I still have it. Can't use it, except as door stop. Anybody looking for a tailgate for a great price?

 

[MojaveJoe]

Klenger was exactly right. Thanks loads for the link to the mfr's website.



I went back to C World and showed them they ordered the wrong louvered tailgate for my 04. They researched for 10 minutes, called the mfr, researched some more then figured out that the new model number just became a stocked item for CW last week. So they gave me a rain check for 25% off on the first one they get in. About $50 off. Not bad



FYI,



The new style starts with 02 1500s (not 2500 or 3500, they are old style) Then all 03s 04s etc to Current Model Year are the same. Or so the mfr states.



Thanks for all your help, guys.

Joe