Tailgate bottom rubbing - paint coming off

[Mechanick]

OP - As you may know, we sell a popular CB antenna mount that attaches using the same threads as (either) of the hinges. In brief, we have quite a bit of experience with loosening the tailgate hinges. I'm not sure how handy you are, but it would be a relatively easy fix for you to do yourself (make sure its done right) and avoid taking it to the dealer. If you want to consider this, here's a short description of the steps involved.

1. Remove the spare tire. (Good practice.) And, it just makes everything easier.
2. Cut up an ordinary (brown) cardboard shipping box and make yourself a 3 or 4 4"x8" strips of cardboard.
3. CLOSE and latch the tailgate and place these folded strips of cardboard in the bottom gap of the tailgate.
4. Put a blue piece of painters tape across the vertical gap nearest the latch. Slit it for the gap and draw a horizontal line across the gap (this is going to be your alignment guide)
5. Use a T55 Torx socket on a ratchet to loosen all 4 hinge bolts. (You may need to tap the socket into the bolts to make sure you have a good grip.)
6. Use your alignment mark (Step 4) and lift the tailgate up 1/8" using the handle. Have a helper tighten one of the hinges.

I think it is easier than it sounds to adjust the tailgate and I frankly believe that most owners (if they are so inclined) will do a better job than the dealership. Wish you were closer to me as I wouldn't mind to lend you a hand.

THANK YOU! for the write up. Very much appreciate this. I will venture to give this a shot this weekend. I think i will just do it myself as you said i would probably pay more attention to the little details vs at the dealer. The paint chips i will just touch it up, it is not that noticeable so its not a big deal. Thanks again!

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[Mechanick]

Does anyone know the torque specs for those bolts? thanks

 

[KnG818]

Uh, no, that is not normal. There is absolutely no reason the tailgate should be making contact with the tub like that at all.

....my tailgate completely falls off sometimes.

 

[Ehmsea]

From the mopar tailgate reinforcement instructions:

 

[Mechanick]

From the mopar tailgate reinforcement instructions:

Thank you. Very helpful.

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