Tailgate Reinforcement, is it Necessary

[Pstric]

I’m looking at putting 35s on my stock JLU Rubicon wheels. Is it necessary to add a tailgate reinforcement?

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[Flip]

I don't think so, I've read people run a 35 on the factory tailgate.

 

[dragoneggs]

I don't think so, I've read people run a 35 on the factory tailgate.

That's me... 35 spare on standard OEM tailgate hinges.

 

[Kbinspections]

Goes by weight…..85 lbs (?) and f I remember correctly. Tire weight and rim weight can vary greatly. I have Toyo 35 on stock rims with no reinforcement.

 

[2nd 392]

I’m looking at putting 35s on my stock JLU Rubicon wheels. Is it necessary to add a tailgate reinforcement?

Depends on the wheel tire combo weight. Stock 7.5” beadlock capable and 285/70 Falken MT’s was ~93 lbs. I wouldn’t want to go much heavier. My 35/12.50 Toyo- 8.5” forged combo is 80 lbs, 2 less than the factory 7.5” beadlock capable and 285/70 KO2’s. … but it wasn’t cheap.

 

[Gobi2]

I put XR takeoff wheels and tires on mine with no issues. However it does just barely rub the steel bumper.

 

[zouch]

depends. what shape do you want your tailgate to be in?

FWIW, Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/Ts in 35s on Mopar Beadlock-compatible wheels weigh 106lbs. the Mopar Performance Parts tailgate reinforcement does nothing to carry that stress out to the hinges.

 

[yokramer]

You dont have to and your tailgate isnt gonna just fall off because you put a 35 on it. But it will close worse, and sag when you open it.

 

[Johnny B]

You dont have to and your tailgate isnt gonna just fall off because you put a 35 on it. But it will close worse, and sag when you open it.

I read (somewhere here I believe) it's not so much the size, but the weight. BUT, a larger tire will have more motion to it if not supported properly (up against the stops - anti vibration add ons). Nobody wants a saggy tail... lol

 

[link3721]

The reinforcement acts as a doubler to increase the shear buckling capability of the gate. It doesn't impact the hinges because they aren't the weak point in the design. Any time you exceed the original design parameters you increase the probability of damage.

I got mine with the reinforcement cause I knew I'd end up with larger tires eventually and didn't want to risk tailgate problems.

 

[zouch]

the tailgate reinforcement didn’t prevent my tailgate from twisting.

problem is it does nothing to move the load off of the tailgate.
most of the better setups replace the factory design such that the load is carried through the (upgraded) hinges directly to the vehicle.

The reinforcement acts as a doubler to increase the shear buckling capability of the gate. It doesn't impact the hinges because they aren't the weak point in the design. Any time you exceed the original design parameters you increase the probability of damage.

I got mine with the reinforcement cause I knew I'd end up with larger tires eventually and didn't want to risk tailgate problems.

 

[yokramer]

I read (somewhere here I believe) it's not so much the size, but the weight. BUT, a larger tire will have more motion to it if not supported properly (up against the stops - anti vibration add ons). Nobody wants a saggy tail... lol

Yea I had a 35 on the stock gate and stock wheel with the Rock Hard 4x4 brace and it still sagged pretty bad, upgraded to Method 703s and it wasnt any better. Recently put on the CavFab carrier that replaces the hinges and it shuts better than any stock gate Ive ever seen.

 

[Johnny B]

Yea I had a 35 on the stock gate and stock wheel with the Rock Hard 4x4 brace and it still sagged pretty bad, upgraded to Method 703s and it wasnt any better. Recently put on the CavFab carrier that replaces the hinges and it shuts better than any stock gate Ive ever seen.

Haven't seen a single soul have any bad words about that CavFab stuff.

 

[yokramer]

Haven't seen a single soul have any bad words about that CavFab stuff.

Yea I will 100% be buying more of their stuff. Quality is amazing, support is quick, welds are art and the price cant be beat.

 

[Johnny B]

Yea I will 100% be buying more of their stuff. Quality is amazing, support is quick, welds are art and the price cant be beat.

They utilize machine welding if I recall reading about that company. Those welds, perfect every time. Unless the machine goes off. I love it when machines go off. Watched a Haas machine obliterate bit after bit on incorrect input data... lol

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