question about 85 suburban tailgate. non barn door model

[jasonroman]

I'm going to look at an 85 suburban. guy told me the only issue aside from a little rust here and there, which is expected in jersey from an 85 chevy.
the issue is the tailgate. says glass is good and works, but something under the truck that supports the weight of the truck is gone. i guess rusted out, or whatever. i am not sure what he is talking about, I'm eager to get back into a square burb. just wondering whats ahead of me if i do go ahead and buy this truck.

anyone have experience or answer to what id need to do the fix .
appreciate any help here.

[68Timber]

There is a rear brace at the back of the tub from R to L, the back edge of the floor ends there. It can rust through, someone here repaired theirs some time back. Fairly extensive job depending on your ability, if that's what it is

[Electricduane]

He could be talking about the spring steel bars that provide spring pressure to make raising and lowering the tailgate easier/lighter. Sometimes people remove those things. If that's the case, it's not nearly as big a deal as what 68timber is talking about.

Unfortunately, I think it's more likely that 68timber is right. . .

[jasonroman]

looked at truck quick today.
looks to be a frame rail towards the back passenger side that is eaten away. only on the passenger side tho

[jasonroman]

any other input?

[68Timber]

Really need pics to help. Too many variables when dealing with rust on a NJ square. Honestly? Whatever your budget is, you can likely get the same truck in the southeast, just have to be willing to go greyhound to the truck. Trucks down here may have fender rot but not structural. TX trucks are even better. Road trip.