I have loaded 285 (MT) and 305 (AT) both driven on rough terrain without any problem, but mine have also internal OEM reinforcements (last pillar and tailgate)
no, everything its OK, I've driven the truck over rough terrain and still Solid.
Just be carefull when you cut the tailgate, If I had a 2nd chance to do this work, I would cut around the OEM weld points (less storage but I could keep the original stiffness)
Also the top and bottom tailgate have internal reinforcement, I find this installing a tailgate mod in my truck.
I can send you a photo of the internals in a week (Right now Im out of my city for vacations)
Did you know the screen dimension of the OBD gauge? I want to retrofit instead of the Digital Clock, but also need to measure the clock space, mine its a 94 for the cluster its pre facelift
Can you send me the PN for the complete kit? My mechanic broke 2 of 4 teflon rings on the input shaft and the Kit that I bought from rockauto doesn't come with those rings