2008 tailgate as a replacement for 2004 avalanche

[Sstevieboy0208]

I was wondering if I can replace the tailgate on my 04 avalanche with one from 2008 and if anyone have done this one. I want to have a backup camera and was curious if I can do it that way. Any advice will help

 

[ygmn]

Doubt it a the body lines changed.
Also do you have cladded or not?

Most just add backup cam to existing bezel and put screen in truck somewhere or tie into aftermarket radio

 

[Vaeagleav]

I'm sure anything can be made to work with enough knowledge, ability,time and expense. I have not heard of anyone on this site doing a second gen tailgate swap for a first gen. Differences you will have to solve is cladding on bezel wil be different colors, second gen not only had backup camera with wiring that you would have to figure out how to integrate but also electric locking system and not sure how you would connect that to a first gen AV.
Good luck with your attempt at the mod.

 

[Sstevieboy0208]

Mine is not cladded

 

[Sstevieboy0208]

I will probably end up sticking with original and just add a camera as I'm planning on upgrading the radio to aftermarket one

 

[Randy]

It's easy to run the wires through the tailgate, you don't have pull the tailgate apart. Here's a picture of someone that pulled one apart, just remove the latch and fish (use a long rod or straighten a hanger) the wire through the hole (yellow arrows) that the rod for the latch runs, pull out the wire. Now drill a hole in bottom of the tailgate (red arrow) and do the same and fish the wire down and out that hole. If your camera has a connector on it you can reverse the order and fish it in from the bottom and then to the latch.

I ran both camera and tailgate lock wires this way and made a small bracket to hold the camera to the bezel (drill small hole in bezel). Both have been working without issue for the last 15 plus years..

Also if someone is adding a power latch you don't need to split the tailgate or cut out a piece of the gate to install it you pry it open enough to slip it in.

 

[marzahld]

Problem with the 2nd gen tailgate is that the inside corner edge can get chewed up from your cargo quite easily. I'd keep the '04 tg. I don't remember having that problem with my '03. When I put a backup camera on my '03 I just put it above or below the license plate bezel (I can't remember which, lol). No need to mess with the tailgate at all.

 

[Sstevieboy0208]

Problem with the 2nd gen tailgate is that the inside corner edge can get chewed up from your cargo quite easily. I'd keep the '04 tg. I don't remember having that problem with my '03. When I put a backup camera on my '03 I just put it above or below the license plate bezel (I can't remember which, lol). No need to mess with the tailgate at all.

After doing all kinds of research I decided to stay with the one that's on it. Will just add a backup camera above the license plate