Mopar Swing Gate Reinforcement Removal

[SWFL-JL]

I just bought a JL last Friday in beautiful Bikini Pearlcoat. It’s pretty much stock, but it did have this Mopar Swing Gate Reinforcement bracket.

I didn’t care for the look of it. The badge had broken off and it was just covering up all the beautiful paint. Well, long story short I thought this was going to be a 20 minute job, but as is the case so many times, nope it was a PITA. The issue was the hinge bolts. Wouldn’t budge. And they weren’t even painted, as you can see in the picture. I ended up stripping them with the T40 bit, even after using penetrating oil and a breaker bar. So, I needed an easy out bit, which required a trip to the store. Also, before I started with the easy out, I popped the tailgate panel off on the interior side. It popped right off and gave me access to all four bolts where I was able to better apply more penetrating oil. After that, I drilled the bolt a bit, stuck the easy out in, gave it a few taps with the rubber mallet, popped on the socket wrench and slowly applied pressure and boom, it started to break and they all came out. So, that’s where I’m at. Got them all out and the bracket off. Now off to find replacement bolts.

Once I get new bolts in place, I’ll clean it back up and put the tire carrier back on. Even dirty, it already looks better! Just wanted to share in case anyone else ever has any trouble like this.

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[Original_Junior]

Wow! At least you should be able to sell it for a few bucks to recoup the price of new bolts. To each their own I guess.

 

[2nd 392]

Next mod heavy beadlocks and MT’s
I did see one with reinforcement and spare delete once, gave me a chuckle.

 

[BDinTX]

Believe you’re looking for these:

https://parts.allmoparparts.com/oem...1bmxpbWl0ZWQtcnViaWNvbiZlPTMtMGwtdjYtZGllc2Vs

Item #8 in the diagram

I was going to offer up mine for the cost of shipping but if you get them through a dealership I think it would be cheaper.

 

[autotragic]

Next mod heavy beadlocks and MT’s
I did see one with reinforcement and spare delete once, gave me a chuckle.

Probably because they had the good sense to not mess with taking the reinforcement off like OP did.

 

[SWFL-JL]

Wow! At least you should be able to sell it for a few bucks to recoup the price of new bolts. To each their own I guess.

Nope, that thing is going in the trash. This JL came with factory 17’s on 32’s. I’m happy with them, won’t be upsizing, so no need for that ugly bracket.

Next mod heavy beadlocks and MT’s
I did see one with reinforcement and spare delete once, gave me a chuckle.

No MT’s for me, had them on my Willys JT. Although they looked nice, not necessary where I wheel in the sand down here is southwest Florida. I agree, strange with the spare delete and the bracket. Maybe they couldn’t get it off

 

[SWFL-JL]

Probably because they had the good sense to not mess with taking the reinforcement off like OP did.

No need for it with factory 32’s but thanks for your input. Come pick it up out my trash can if you like.

 

[Flip6577]

I'd gladly take it off of your hands. Where in FL are you?

 

[SWFL-JL]

I'd gladly take it off of your hands. Where in FL are you?

North Port. Did you see the pic of it showing the badge is broken? I did think I have all the pieces but you’d need new bolts since I drilled those out.

 

[autotragic]

No need for it with factory 32’s but thanks for your input. Come pick it up out my trash can if you like.

I don't want your trash. I just think it's hilarious.

 

[SWFL-JL]

I don't want your trash. I just think it's hilarious.

Glad I could give you some entertainment! If you ever decide to contribute something useful instead of just trolling, feel free to chime in. Until then, keep flexing those gif skills! Also, I put my trash out Tuesday nights.

 

[Pape]

I'm actually in the opposite, got nice 33 in replacement of my 32 and tailgate is showing sign of distress. I estimated the weight of my wheel assembly at 66 but by the tailgate reaction I'm probably off. I recon I should confirm my number and start hunting for one of the reinforcement.

 

[SWFL-JL]

Follow up pics. Looks great IMO

 

[Original_Junior]

Looks good. Enjoy. And seriously consider selling it or giving it away. Someone needs/wants it. Put it up in the free threads.

 

[2nd 392]

I'm actually in the opposite, got nice 33 in replacement of my 32 and tailgate is showing sign of distress. I estimated the weight of my wheel assembly at 66 but by the tailgate reaction I'm probably off. I recon I should confirm my number and start hunting for one of the reinforcement.

You could be Off by 19 lbs and still be at recommended weight. My factory combo was 82 lbs, and an ~ 10 lb heavier Falken MT option was offered. I don’t recall reinforcement being required with it even though it would be over the recommended 85 lbs. TF even says 100 lbs without reinforcement with an Alpha….. you shouldn’t be having an issue

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