Tailgate Hinge on JL has become loose with a gap. Anyway to tighten?

[amiii]

I have an aftermarket tire carrier and rear bumper on my JL Rubicon. I have a 35" spare tire. I recently noticed that my tailgate hinge has become loose and now there is gap between the hinge and the Jeep's body. Do I need to buy reinforcement hinges or can I live with this? Just want to know if this is a safety issue or if I should be fine driving like this for now before I can save up enough to get a reinforcement. I read online that the hinges can be tightened. Anyone have any video or tutorial on how to access the hinge bolts?

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[XJfanatic]

Feel like mine look that way. Your carrier should not be putting that much weight on the tailgate

 

[Headbarcode]

I have an aftermarket tire carrier and rear bumper on my JL Rubicon. I have a 35" spare tire. I recently noticed that my tailgate hinge has become loose and now there is gap between the hinge and the Jeep's body. Do I need to buy reinforcement hinges or can I live with this? Just want to know if this is a safety issue or if I should be fine driving like this for now before I can save up enough to get a reinforcement. I read online that the hinges can be tightened. Anyone have any video or tutorial on how to access the hinge bolts?

With a bumper mounted tire carrier, there's no need for a hinged tailgate reinforcement. But that should be reoriented and tightened asap, before the hinge bolts wallow out the holes in the body.

1st thing is removing the floor panel in the cargo area. There are 6 bolts, each hiding under the plastic covers next to the 6 tie down points. Next is to carefully remove the passenger side interior panel, so as to not damage or lose any of the pop clips that attach it. Once that's out of the way, you'll see 2 square body color painted plastic stickers, that once removed, will allow access to the body side hinge bolts. Realign the gate and tighten down all hardware on both hinges. Removing one at a time to apply blue loctite wouldn't be a bad idea for some added peace of mind.

 

[jasonlauren]

I have an aftermarket tire carrier and rear bumper on my JL Rubicon. I have a 35" spare tire. I recently noticed that my tailgate hinge has become loose and now there is gap between the hinge and the Jeep's body. Do I need to buy reinforcement hinges or can I live with this? Just want to know if this is a safety issue or if I should be fine driving like this for now before I can save up enough to get a reinforcement. I read online that the hinges can be tightened. Anyone have any video or tutorial on how to access the hinge bolts?

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but OP did you ever get this tightened? What did the hinge bolts look like on the inside? We’re they loosened?

 

[Headbarcode]

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but OP did you ever get this tightened? What did the hinge bolts look like on the inside? We’re they loosened?

Don't apologize. It's always nice when a problem thread can be rounded out with a fix, but this looks to be made by someone just looking for help with a diy fix. Once they get their answer, they're gone until something else pops up.

From looking at the original pics, I'd say it's safe to conclude that the factory hinge to body bolts loosened and allowed the gate to pull outward. My quick tutorial on accessing those hinge bolts must've done the trick for him, because this thread dropped dead and he fell inactive right afterwards.

 

[KNN]

Don't apologize. It's always nice when a problem thread can be rounded out with a fix, but this looks to be made by someone just looking for help with a diy fix. Once they get their answer, they're gone until something else pops up.

From looking at the original pics, I'd say it's safe to conclude that the factory hinge to body bolts loosened and allowed the gate to pull outward. My quick tutorial on accessing those hinge bolts must've done the trick for him, because this thread dropped dead and he fell inactive right afterwards.

Came across so many of these while chasing down my suspension issues. Everyone wants answers but not everyone cares enough to share w/ the group.

 

[Headbarcode]

Came across so many of these while chasing down my suspension issues. Everyone wants answers but not everyone cares enough to share w/ the group.

Just the nature of the beast. 2 main types of people join forums, enthusiasts and those looking to save themselves a trip to the dealer and it's associated costs. Fortunately, there's plenty of the former around here who look out for each other.

Cheers, buddy!

 

[GRAK]

Hm. I have been trying to stop my tailgate from rattling and running out of ideas. But noticed this & wondered if anyone else can see this photo & say "Mine looks just like this" or "Whoa that looks wrong" -- does the gap between hinge & body look too big to you? I can't remember if it's always looked like this.

Everything is rock solid, no play anywhere.

 

[Mudduck]

Mine looks the same way. Always has and I dont even run with a gate mounted spare. Its on the inside on my Fabtec rack.

 

[GRAK]

Ok. Thanks Mudduck that helps to know. No idea what the rattling could be then, very mysterious

 

[Rico1111]

There was a post on here about the striker plate, that is where your noise or rattle could be coming from. Some have bought what looks to be a solid striker plate made out of aluminum and it supposedly keeps the tailgate from squeaking, rattling etc... I'll try and find the post.

 

[Rico1111]

LOL found it but I guess you know what I'm talking about
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/tailgate-latch-stop-bumper.72937/page-6#post-1949533

 

[GRAK]

Haha yeah, I was really let down, I thought that was going to solve it for sure. Everyone seems to like it which makes me think my tailgate is super out of alignment or something, but all the gaps around look uniform, nothing moves when I press hard, etc. Can't figure it out

 

[Headbarcode]

Haha yeah, I was really let down, I thought that was going to solve it for sure. Everyone seems to like it which makes me think my tailgate is super out of alignment or something, but all the gaps around look uniform, nothing moves when I press hard, etc. Can't figure it out

It looks in those pics like the top of the gate doesn't sit flush with the body but the bottom does. Is that the case or just the way it looks? If you open the gate all the way out 90°, can you lift the Gaye at the handle side and get any movement?

 

[GRAK]

It looks in those pics like the top of the gate doesn't sit flush with the body but the bottom does. Is that the case or just the way it looks? If you open the gate all the way out 90°, can you lift the Gaye at the handle side and get any movement?

I see what you mean, no it’s just how it looked in the pic it’s all pretty flush and even. No, no movement at 90° out, lifting it just lifts the jeep

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