Liftgate actuator took a crap

[KMV77]

This is BS that this part broke, and that there is no aftermarket part. I have an 05 Tahoe, and the lift gate decided to stop working. Its a nylon gear in the actuator that went and it is missing teeth. Dealer wants over $300 and the cheapest I have found is $176 online. I still dont want to pay that. I'm working on an idea to put an actuator in its place. If not I guess I'm shelling close to $200 for something thats going to break again.
Rant over
Kevin

 

[Eagle]

Replace it with an aluminum one? Surely someone can mill one up, you install it and take pics, write a tutorial, then sell a few on ebay?

I know they did exactly that with the plastic gear for the power window shades on older 7 series.

 

[zilla68]

did you check advance auto parts, I could have sworn I saw an rear lift gate actuator on there yesterday for our 03 tahoe. Might not be the same part, but worth checking out.