plastic panel on tailgate

[BJarrell]

I've just got a 99 2500, and wondered why some trucks have a plastic panel on the tailgate and some do not.

 

[Lurch]

It was one of the changes on the 2001. 5. Mine hasn't got it.



Lurch

 

[BJarrell]

I want to eventually replace the chrome bumbers with painted ones to make mine a sport look and wondered if the plastic panel on the tailgate could be removed without any damage to the tailgate, or should I try to paint it?

 

[John]

plastic bumper applique

The Sport models do not have the tailgate applique.

 

[MikeR]

From 94 up until the early 2001's only the SLT had the tailgate panel. The ST and the Sport didn't have it. All the 2001. 5 models don't have the panel anymore.



Yes it easily comes off without damaging the tailgate... simply pull it off and clean off the left over moulding tape.

 

[Double 6]

Don't you just love DC cost cutting, pretty soon they will make the whole tailgate a extra cost option.

 

[Okie-Go]

Mine was backed into yesterday and I need a new tailgate. May have them leave it off and I can use the money saved for more toys.

 

[Extreme1]

Originally posted by Double 6

Don't you just love DC cost cutting, pretty soon they will make the whole tailgate a extra cost option.

SHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!



The plastic panel actually serves a purpose! When the tailgate cables both break at once and the tailgate lands on the bumper, it keeps the tailgate from getting dented. GREAT WORK DC!!! (But wouldn't it be easier to just fix the cables?)

 

[MikeR]

I prefer having the plastic panel. I'm always climbing over the tailgate and my work boots and shoes have a bad habbit of kicking the gate.

I used to have an ST Ram back in 96-98 and with no panel,the gate looked like crap from me banging into it.



Hey Double6,

I'm really suprised that Daimler Chrylser hasn't gone the way of Ford Motor Co and charge us for the rear bumper and the spare tire!



-Mike

 

[John]

Originally posted by MikeR

Yes it easily comes off without damaging the tailgate... simply pull it off and clean off the left over moulding tape.

Just make sure you remove it before the paint in the surrounding area has had a chance to fade (regardless of color).

 

[illflem]

I can remember quite a few times when I was glad I had the plastic trim. Many times in the winter a snow, slush and road sand slurry has collected on the bumper and froze solid, opening the tailgate onto this would have trashed the paint without the plastic. I always figured that was the reason the trim was there in the first place.