I hit the bone yard on saturday in search of the old metal straps on the tailgate. I found about 6 pairs. I bought the whole gate for $10 as it was rusted on the bottom edge. Took all of 1 hr to swap all the parts over. Very easy and I suggest having the old gate to get all the parts. There were 2 rubber stops on the old gate my 98 didn't have on it and had to drill 2 small holes.
I always had a concern as I drove my KX up the ramp into the truck or the quads, no more.

There are more there if anyone wants a set let me know and I will get the parts and mail them to you.