Tailgate bolt removal. How difficult?

[K9WG]

I want to install the TeraFlex antenna mount on the tailgate hinge. This requires removal of the T55 bolts and replacement with a bolt for the mount. I have been reading where there have be problems removing the T55 bolts. It looks like most of the issues stem from using the incorrect size or not fully seating the Torx bit. I have the correct bit (T55) and am going to remove all the extra paint on the bolt. Once I start to remove the bolt will I encounter a large amount of resistance? Anyone else have experience in removing the hinge bolts? I just want to make sure I don't break or strip the bolt.

Thanks

Richard - K9WG

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[Deleted member 102807]

Initially it will be a good amount of resistance, however keep even pressure and it will ‘pop’. Then it’s pretty much finger easy to remove them. Also you don’t need to remove any paint.

 

[jadmt]

I just installed a mopar hd hinge and on my 2024 they came out easy but I have been doing this kind of thing for a long time. push hard on the ratchet to keep the torx bit fully engaged and start with a slow turn..

 

[cram501]

You just need to ensure the Torx bit is fully seated. A few taps of a hammer will help. After that, even pressure should get it to pop loose although it may take some effort. I used a breaker bar on mine and had no problems.

 

[K9WG]

OK - Thanks! I will grab another cup of coffee and give it a try this afternoon...

Richard - K9WG

 

[roaniecowpony]

I would use a manual (striking) impact driver to break them loose.
[Product Review] TEKTON Manual Impact Driver

 

[Nokones]

It is a piece of cake. Just use a real Torx Bit like an older Craftsman or Snap-On, or Proto and not a Chinese POS that you buy from a cheap discount tool retailer or from a third party warehouse enterprise operation that doesn't specialize in any specific or proprietary product or service that only sells cheap POS inferior foreign products.

 

[roaniecowpony]

It is a piece of cake. Just use a real Torx Bit like an older Craftsman or Snap-On, or Proto and not a Chinese POS that you buy from a cheap discount tool retailer or from a third party warehouse enterprise operation that doesn't specialize in any specific or proprietary product or service that only sells cheap POS inferior foreign products.

I like the Tekton brand. They haven't let me down. But it looks like they may have discontinued their manual impact driver.

 

[Terrymo]

In the videos I see, people are gently tapping the bit in place. Then applying inward pressure on the head of the ratchet or breaker bar while turning. Skip to the 5 minute mark. Ignore the rest of the vide….or not.

 

[roaniecowpony]

In the videos I see, people are gently tapping the bit in place. Then applying inward pressure on the head of the ratchet or breaker bar while turning. Skip to the 5 minute mark. Ignore the rest of the vide….or not.

If I got the skinny blonde to come over and loosen my tailgate, my wife would probably use some vise-grips on my Torx bit.

 

[Stetson]

I just installed a mopar hd hinge and on my 2024 they came out easy but I have been doing this kind of thing for a long time. push hard on the ratchet to keep the torx bit fully engaged and start with a slow turn..

This! I also but the tailgate reinforcement on and the bolts come out with some pressure but make sure you keep the torx bit fully seated. Great tip!

 

[K9WG]

OK - I was able to remove the bolts without any problem. I did have to use an extension on the ratchet to get one of the loose. TeraFlex mount and antenna installed...
Thanks all.

 

[JPAloha]

I’ve put the Mopar reinforcement on two of our three and the Teraflex antenna mount in two of the three. Only had one bolt break of the ten undone and that was likely my fault.
Hope it goes well for you.

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