Tailgate Flex: a concern?

[utherjorge]

On another forum I frequent, someone was talking about problems with their tailgate (NOT with a K5) and how it flexes and seems weak.

Now, I just got a new shell to replace the rusted out 'gate I have. I had no fancy plans for it, but that other thread got me thinking:

Should I be doing something different with my new one to prepare what sort of typical problems I might have?

In that other thread, welding some diamond plate was expected to solve the problem.

Thoughts, anyone? Thanks in advance.

 

[tRustyK5]

Never heard of that with a pick-up tailgate, but the K5 tailgates are notorious for flex and cracking at the corners. Pretty much every K5 gate I've owned or seen is cracked at the top corners.

Rene

 

[utherjorge]

Thanks for that. I didn't know that about the flex, and mine isn't even rusted at the top...but the bottom is an absolute disaster.

So, if that flex is a concern, is there a way to brace it and leave the access panels? Or...other suggestions?

Mine may or may not be a daily driver, but I will definitely not be pushing the limits of its off-road ability. It'll be a BOV, a fun toy for the summer, and maybe even some light towing, but I don't think I'll be pushing it to its limits. Not sure if that matters.