There weren't any gaskets on the OEM hinges, when I did the replacement.
I had a similar rattle on mine. I added some electrical tape to the tailgate where it sits on that plastic guide (tailgate stabilizer I think it's called.) underneath the latch. Hope I'm explaining it right. Jeep puts some nylon tape. The nylon tape had worn out . That stopped the rattle.
The regular factory hinges have a gap also. Guess its designed that way.
In researching this RR setup today, I watched a couple different install videos on online, and one guy smartly put a bead of RTV around the shoulder of the hinges and carefully slid them in, lined up the tub bolts and then snugged them down. Sealed. Other than the camera cover not fitting inside factory Rubicon wheels (one poster mentioned an updated part but no photo), I am sold on this one, gonna order today.
After a great deal of searching different brands' instructions, none of which listed torque specs, I have found them. The Mopar Reinforcement instructions actually list the specs.
I was correct with all specs used:
Swing gate hinges to body bolts (in tub) 21 ft lbs
Swing gate hinges to tailgait (torx bit bolts) 35 ft lbs
Spare tire carrier bolts (smaller ones that hold carrier to tail gate. They say WTF 8.8 on them) to tailgate. 13 Ft lbs
Manufacturers really should list this information in their instructions, or at least be willing to provide if if you ask. Negative mark for Rugged Ridge.
I went to Menards and purchased stronger bolts. The supplied bolts were Class 8.8 (which is not Grade 8). The ones I bought from Menards are Class 10.9 which is comparable to Grade 8.
If anyone else needs a replacement they are:
8mm x 35mm coarse class 10.9
I added a little clear silicone around the top and corner of both the top and bottom hinges to keep some water out since there was a little gap. I think that any water that makes it in would drain out inside that cavity (but not certain).
Do you know the exact bolt size and are 6 needed to attach it to the Jeep body? I ordered the carrier today and would like to get some upgraded bolts before I install it. (I also heard the ones that go into the tailgate typically rust so I'm thinking of finding stainless ones - also, how many of those?) ThanksYesterday upon checking the carrier and tightening the bolts, I noticed two of the bolts had snapped off. The bottom two bolts closest to the swing gate handle.
I emailed Rugged Ridge.
I asked for the recommended torque specs. They responded that I should check my owner's manual for the jeep and use those.
I responded that that I used the stock specs and explained that it was fine originally. After a few cold days the gate started making noise, and upon inspection I found the snapped bolts. I'm not sure if the cold caused them to be brittle, if the weight of the carrier resting in them, or if they were defective caused the problem. I expressed that there was no sign of over torquing (twisted bolts etc) and that a torque wrench was used .
I asked if they had seen this issue, if there was a way to prevent it, and how to go about getting a replacement set of bolts as most likely all should be replaced.
Rugged Ridge stated that they haven't seen any issues doubt the cold would cause it, and that it is really odd that the bolts just snapped in the way that they did. They suggested going to a hardware store and buying new bolts, or if I provide my original receipt, they could mail two bolts.
I rather replace them all, not just two, so I will go to the hardware store. I'll also have to go to a show to get the bolts extracted from the swing gate.
Overall pretty disappointed. I really liked the carrier but now I'm frustrated with it.
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I'm not certain. I actually sold the jeep last week so I have no way of checking. I have posted more detailed info in this thread somewhere. I ended up getting upgraded bolts at Menards.
FYI. Post #75 you list it. Appreciate it. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...s-hd-tire-carrier-installed.22810/post-971410
Yeh mine had the same thing. I just took some clear silicone and sealed it up. That looks like its a little wider gap than mine had but could just be the photo.Anyone else have a gap where the hinges go into the tub? I’ve seen other brands that also leave a gap and some say some factory ones have it as well but I don’t like it.
