Body-colored tailgate reinforcement: Anyone?

[VirginiaHeritage]

The time will come when I’m going to upgrade the OEM SAS tires to something more trail-worthy and I’ll be faced with a dilemma: buy four heavier tires with thicker sidewalks and keep one Goodyear as a spare with a cover, which is the cheapest and simplest solution, or buy 5 to stick with the 5-tire rotation routine and then figure out how to reinforce my tailgate without spoiling the beauty queen looks of the HE .

If I had any other Bronco, this would be an easy choice. I’d just put any one of the many black tailgate reinforcement solutions on the back. If I’m going to do it on the HE, though, I’m seriously pondering a color-matched option. This will be more complicated and expensive, obviously. It will require a reinforcement solution that is amenable to painting or repainting and will blend well with the rest of the tailgate. If the reinforcement bracket has a textured surface, I’m thinking it might look odd color-matched, so a smooth base surface might be required.

Has anyone done this? If so, pics please.

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[GI_Jo_Nathan]

It's not absolutely mandatory to add a reinforcement. Especially if you are staying with 35's.
I have no issues with mine. I wheel the hell out of it as is with no issues. I have 37's and steelies that weigh 110lbs.

 

[GA2Dr]

I am also curious about seeing painted options. Mine is Oxford White and I don't love the black reinforcement kits. But as @GI_Jo_Nathan said I don't think it's necessary. I went from stock 33's on my black diamond to 35" Mickey Thompson Baja Bosses that are very heavy, including the spare. Have had them on since February and so far no issues with the tailgate. I have read on here that the factory mount is rated for something like 120 lbs. I suppose in an ideal world if you're close to the limit you'd get a reinforcement kit, but I am taking the "wait and see approach."

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

I’m sticking with 35s. The M/T Baja Boss AT, Falken Wildpeak A/T4W, Nitto Ridge Grapplers are all under consideration, but I haven’t done a deep dive yet. My basic requirements are decent road manners and noise levels, snow and rain performance that are as good or better than my Territory RTs, but with tougher construction for future trail use.

BFGs K02s are off the table based on a less-than-stellar reputation for wet road traction. The Subaru has me accustomed to being able to haul ass in the rain and I can still do that with my Goodyears in 4Auto.

 

[Doc TOC]

They don't allow paint shops in VA?

 

[bigehunter145]

I'm working on my set up now. Running 38x13.5r17 patagonia mt. I got the red rock hinges and reinforcement kit. Got it powdercoated to match. Using prismatic powders. The 38's were to tall to fit, so I order the turn offroad tire relocation, hopefully it works with the support.

 

[Beach_Bum]

I’m sticking with 35s. The M/T Baja Boss AT, Falken Wildpeak A/T4W, Nitto Ridge Grapplers are all under consideration, but I haven’t done a deep dive yet. My basic requirements are decent road manners and noise levels, snow and rain performance that are as good or better than my Territory RTs, but with tougher construction for future trail use.

BFGs K02s are off the table based on a less-than-stellar reputation for wet road traction. The Subaru has me accustomed to being able to haul ass in the rain and I can still do that with my Goodyears in 4Auto.

Unless you intend to carry a bunch of weight that is supported by the spare tire carrier besides the spare tire, you don't need any reinforcement. Sticking with 35's even with the heaviest MTs won't compromise the gate and the hinges. The biggest issue is to insure the spare tire is supported not just by the carrier but in conjunction with the rubber bumpers. With the OEM wheels, you are good to go. If you are going with an aftermarket wheel with a different offset, then you'll need to source new rubber bumpers.

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

It's not absolutely mandatory to add a reinforcement. Especially if you are staying with 35's.
I have no issues with mine. I wheel the hell out of it as is with no issues. I have 37's and steelies that weigh 110lbs.

This is what I would have assumed before coming to the forum, but I swear I’ve seen claims to the contrary on here before.

 

[Brian_B]

They don't allow paint shops in VA?

This is what I was thinking too. Nothing Krylon can’t fix

 

[GA2Dr]

This is what I would have assumed before coming to the forum, but I swear I’ve seen claims to the contrary on here before.

I think there is a difference of opinion but there is an objective weight load limit for the tailgate from Ford. I can't recall the exact number but if you search you can find it on here - I believe it's around 120lbs but I could be off.

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

They don't allow paint shops in VA?

Sure, I wasn’t planning on painting it myself. Getting it color matched perfectly to my REB tailgate would be easier for a pro than me with a rattle can. I’m looking for pics from people who have done it.

 

[F-Spot]

I've seen pictures of painted HammerBuilt reinforcements. I don't have any direct links to where I saw them, but I'm sure you can google some pics.

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

This is what I would have assumed before coming to the forum, but I swear I’ve seen claims to the contrary on here before.

Yeah I've seen people complain about nuse or something with their tailgate, and swearing you need a reinforcement for it. Not sure what they have going on, I just know mines been fine.

 

[Hbrichman]

I had my Hammerbuilt reinforcement paint matched - I replaced it awhile back with the Raptor hinges/reinforcement kit though

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