So I still haven't found out who stole my tailgate or found a decent junkyard replacement, so I'm probably going to get a new panel. My options are as follows:

Dealership: $525
LMC: ~$300
Shermanparts.com: ~$150

The only thing is I'm not sure how "stout" the reproduction ones are compared to a OEM replacement. That and what parts I'll still have to buy. I'm pretty sure the OEM tailgate comes with the latches, and inspection cover installed, but I think the others are separate pieces.

Has anyone bought from the other 2 places? And if so, how was the quality of the parts? I've bought reproduction fenders for other cars (from other places) and they were clearly cheaper parts. Should I just suck it up and buy the OEM and be done with it?

I didn't think that I'd have to replace my tailgate this month when I bought those road armor bumpers back in July. Life has a funny way of doing that to you doesn't it?

 

I would buy OEM. Your gonna have a bunch invested by the time you have it painted. Just buy a tailgate fron the Stealership and have them painted so you can simply go there and they can put it on. if you go through any other place, they will ship it, and it can get damaged not to mention that it may not line up exact or the metal most likely is chincy and rather thin. Thin enough to dent easily probably. Then after it gets shipped, you have the hassle of taking it to the dealer and they may charge you a "prep fee" as most aftermarket things will need to be prepped. Most OEM is really good out of the box. So, pay a couple hundred extra for preparation fees on a crappy tailgate or pay that money upfront for a quality piece and less on the back end. Your prob. looking at close to $900 all said and done with OEM and prob $6-700 aftermarket. BUT, it will match the rest of your paint and be exaclt y as before. Then you need to buy a tailgate lock. like a Jimmy Jammer...etc