Wrecked liftgate

I have a 2012 SR5 premium that just got the lift-gate’s “corner edge” wrecked beyond repair. The body shop is attempting (unsuccessfully so far) to find a complete used liftgate to replace mine (and hopefully could find one in same color magnetic gray). I plan to pay this repair out-of-picket, but to purchase a new lift gate shell, paint the color, labor cost to swap parts/mechanics from my damaged lift gate, and mount to 4 runner is going to be beyond my budget. Am I correct that the liftgates on the 2010,11 and 2012 are different than later 5th gen models? Apparently complete “junk yard” 2014 and later tailgates are available.

 

Have you considered going through insurance? There are a lot of good myths that prevent people from doing so.