Seems to be just one of those things to put up with.
just got back from my local body guys to start thinking about rocker replacement on my 2008 Limited 190k on the clock (given the price of a new one I can spend a great deal of money on keeping a good truck going before I even get close)
Our tailgate is in the same shape. Had it addressed 4 years ago. Time to have another go at it. Body guy says don’t bother replacing with salvage or used - they all suffer from this problem. Don’t bother with new replacement. Those are made in China and not much better.
Strip the door, grind out the oxide, fill with high quality filler. Zinc oxide, the primer and finish coat. Keep an eye on it and rinse and repeat every five or six years when necessary. Nothing is weather impervious. So if you like your truck and plan on keeping it. Maintain it to a high standard.
