Tailgate Sag With Rubicon Take-Offs

[sebythellama]

So I've had a set of Rubicon wheels and Fallen Wildpeak M/Ts for a while. I got them from another forum member last year and they've been great. Fitment was perfect, until I recently installed a new rear bumper and the tire no longer cleared the bottom of the bumper (and thus the trunk would not close). I wanted to fix it for relatively little so I picked up a Rough Country relocation bracket which raised the tire about 2.25" up and out so it would clear. I kind of intended this to be a temporary solution for a couple months until I could upgrade to a proper tailgate reinforcement system, but I think I might have to do it much sooner now.

After a couple days I noticed the tailgate was sagging. I don't know if it started after I installed the bracket, but that was when I noticed it. It's not particularly bad and it doesn't really get in the way of closing the trunk, but unfortunately I think the trunk has started to rattle when going over bumps. I'm not 100% sure if that is what it is, since it could be something in the trunk, but whenever I go over a relatively large bump I hear a sound that seems to come from the tailgate that sounds like a rattle/shake. I did some diy bump stop extensions a few days after getting it using stool feet, which I know a bunch of people on here have done, but I'm not sure if that really did anything.

I know that some people on here have used the bracket for spares up to 37's, so I'm kind of annoyed that this is happening with Rubicon tires that are essentially OEM (I know that the Wildpeaks are heavy though, so I guess its not a complete surprise). I've looked at tailgate and hinge reinforcement, but something like the Teraflex Alpha reinforcement is well over $1000 and is rated for up to 40's, so it just seems a bit overkill. The other option I've thought about is getting a used factory rubicon tire carrier, that way it would sit closer to the trunk, but I'm not sure if at this point the damage has been done and is in need of repair.

Any suggestions for how to fix this?

Sponsored

 

[Wanted33]

Probably pushing the tire out did the trick. Redistribution of the weight (being further out) may be causing your problem. Sounds like it's time for the proper fix. Good luck

 

[Some Random Guy]

The CAVFAB is supposed to be super good. Alternatively, you can try adjusting the tailgate height. There are 2 nut/bolt combos that allow the gate to piviot up and down. It's possible the extra weight just pulled you out of level and a re-tighten with some blue loctite will get you right. You'll need a ceiling hoist or a spare set of hands to get it dialed in.
There are other options out there too. Maximus-3 replaces the hinges (like the CAVFAB), others move the tire to a carrier cage that mounts to the tail lights (thus becoming independent of the tailgate, pros and cons there). I thought it was LOD that does the tail light one, but I can't find it now. (Edit, it was DV8).

 

[sebythellama]

The CAVFAB is supposed to be super good. Alternatively, you can try adjusting the tailgate height. There are 2 nut/bolt combos that allow the gate to piviot up and down. It's possible the extra weight just pulled you out of level and a re-tighten with some blue loctite will get you right. You'll need a ceiling hoist or a spare set of hands to get it dialed in.
There are other options out there too. Maximus-3 replaces the hinges (like the CAVFAB), others move the tire to a carrier cage that mounts to the tail lights (thus becoming independent of the tailgate, pros and cons there). I thought it was LOD that does the tail light one, but I can't find it now. (Edit, it was DV8).

Never heard of CAVFAB but this tire carrier looks awesome. Like you said, review are great and the price is only $650, when something like the Teraflex one is like $1300. Will definitely be checking this one out further, but I can't help but say it feels pretty overkill for a 33 inch tire haha. I like the adjustment idea though, so I'll also take a look at that. Thanks for the suggestions.

Edit: I just saw that it's "not compatible with factory Jeep wheels", which is a bit odd. I guess the bolt pattern is different compared to the stock wheels?

 

[Some Random Guy]

Never heard of CAVFAB but this tire carrier looks awesome. Like you said, review are great and the price is only $650, when something like the Teraflex one is like $1300. Will definitely be checking this one out further, but I can't help but say it feels pretty overkill for a 33 inch tire haha. I like the adjustment idea though, so I'll also take a look at that. Thanks for the suggestions.

Edit: I just saw that it's "not compatible with factory Jeep wheels", which is a bit odd. I guess the bolt pattern is different compared to the stock wheels?

I don’t use it myself and I’ve been drinking. My gut says it is because factory wheels have too much backspacing. If that’s true, a single wheel spacer will fix the problem.

 

[sebythellama]

I don’t use it myself and I’ve been drinking. My gut says it is because factory wheels have too much backspacing. If that’s true, a single wheel spacer will fix the problem.

I know you also mentioned adjustment to the bolts, what exactly does that entail?

 

[Some Random Guy]

I know you also mentioned adjustment to the bolts, what exactly does that entail?

Unfortunately it isn't explicitly spelled out in the instructions for my carrier. I'm pretty sure it's the hinge bolts on the tailgate itself.

Here is the best I found:

You can 100% make a 37 close well with a little bit of time. Like a few others have said you have to raise the striker side up more. I did this by putting shims on the hinge side and opening up the gate a few inches so it was not touching the striker at all. Put 1-2 more shims on the striker side and snug up the bolts and check. Best to have a friend since unless lucky it will take a few times lifting and testing with the spare on the tailgate. Mine shuts better now then when I got it and you can’t budge the tailgate or shake the spare.

 

[Headbarcode]

The Cavfab Elite is an awesome product. It gets delivered in raw steel, so you'll have to find a reputable finisher to powder coat it for you. It's still a great deal, as the product is incredibly strong and well designed and it leaves it to the owner to have it finished however one wants. I had mine powder coated to match the lightly textured black of the mopar steel bumper with the nameplate matching the gloss red factory tow hooks.

I chose it for the 38's I had at the time, and the 40's I have now. If you don't plan on running at least 37's, the Cavfab is a bit of overkill.

A simpler solution for 35's, is the Teraflex Alpha HD carrier. Just the carrier, without their higher priced tailgate reinforcement. I had that carrier when I had 35's, and it worked great. It's fully adjustable so it can be set high enough to clear the bumper, but more importantly, it adjusts to accommodate different tire widths and wheel backspacing. This allows the spare to be as close to the gate as possible and fully pressed into the rubber gate bumpers, which minimizes the cantilever effect that amplifies physical weight and also minimizes movement.

Here's comparison pics of both the factory carrier and the Alpha HD set to the highest position with my 35" ko2's.

 

[sebythellama]

The Cavfab Elite is an awesome product. It gets delivered in raw steel, so you'll have to find a reputable finisher to powder coat it for you. It's still a great deal, as the product is incredibly strong and well designed and it leaves it to the owner to have it finished however one wants. I had mine powder coated to match the lightly textured black of the mopar steel bumper with the nameplate matching the gloss red factory tow hooks.

I chose it for the 38's I had at the time, and the 40's I have now. If you don't plan on running at least 37's, the Cavfab is a bit of overkill.

A simpler solution for 35's, is the Teraflex Alpha HD carrier. Just the carrier, without their higher priced tailgate reinforcement. I had that carrier when I had 35's, and it worked great. It's fully adjustable so it can be set high enough to clear the bumper, but more importantly, it adjusts to accommodate different tire widths and wheel backspacing. This allows the spare to be as close to the gate as possible and fully pressed into the rubber gate bumpers, which minimizes the cantilever effect that amplifies physical weight and also minimizes movement.

Here's comparison pics of both the factory carrier and the Alpha HD set to the highest position with my 35" ko2's.

I like this idea as well. I guess I was kind of thinking of trying a similar idea but with the factory rubicon tire carrier, but my question would be now that the sag has already started, has the damage already been done?

Or, would this, in combination with adjusting it reinforce it enough?

I also looked at the Rugged Ridge hinge reinforcement, that one doesn't look bad and its on sale right now anyway for like $350. I wonder if that would at least future-proof it for a long time, but making the adjustments might be all that's necessary.

Thanks.

 

[Some Random Guy]

I like this idea as well. I guess I was kind of thinking of trying a similar idea but with the factory rubicon tire carrier, but my question would be now that the sag has already started, has the damage already been done?

Or, would this, in combination with adjusting it reinforce it enough?

I also looked at the Rugged Ridge hinge reinforcement, that one doesn't look bad and its on sale right now anyway for like $350. I wonder if that would at least future-proof it for a long time, but making the adjustments might be all that's necessary.

Thanks.

No damage, maybe some scratched paint in the corner. Just get it adjusted with some help and you’ll probably be good again.

 

[sebythellama]

No damage, maybe some scratched paint in the corner. Just get it adjusted with some help and you’ll probably be good again.

The Cavfab Elite is an awesome product. It gets delivered in raw steel, so you'll have to find a reputable finisher to powder coat it for you. It's still a great deal, as the product is incredibly strong and well designed and it leaves it to the owner to have it finished however one wants. I had mine powder coated to match the lightly textured black of the mopar steel bumper with the nameplate matching the gloss red factory tow hooks.

I chose it for the 38's I had at the time, and the 40's I have now. If you don't plan on running at least 37's, the Cavfab is a bit of overkill.

A simpler solution for 35's, is the Teraflex Alpha HD carrier. Just the carrier, without their higher priced tailgate reinforcement. I had that carrier when I had 35's, and it worked great. It's fully adjustable so it can be set high enough to clear the bumper, but more importantly, it adjusts to accommodate different tire widths and wheel backspacing. This allows the spare to be as close to the gate as possible and fully pressed into the rubber gate bumpers, which minimizes the cantilever effect that amplifies physical weight and also minimizes movement.

Here's comparison pics of both the factory carrier and the Alpha HD set to the highest position with my 35" ko2's.

So, I picked up a used rubicon tire carrier for like $20 and installed it. It definitely pulled the tire closer in, so it seems to have done its job in that regard. Does anyone know the factory torque specs for tightening the plastic carrier to the tailgate? When installing the RC relocation bracket (which I was finally able to take off)it was 18 lb ft of the bracket-to-tailgate, so I just used that, but I'm not sure if this is correct.

Secondly, I noticed that the tire is still making contact with the rear bumper. It doesn't interfere with actually closing it at all, but it definitely shakes the tire when I close it. Is this necessarily a problem? Is it worth it trying to move the bumper closer into the body?

Third, I can't help but think I'm still hearing a thunk coming from the back every time I go over a sharp bump. It sounds like the tailgate. It's not really a rattle so much as a "thunk". I've seen people adjust that little black wedge under the striker or line the trunk with weatherproof door seals to stop vibrations, but I'm not really sure if any of these will work of if it even is the tailgate making that sound.

Thanks, and merry Christmas

 

[sebythellama]

Here’s a photo.

 

[Headbarcode]

Here’s a photo.

It may be possible to get a bit more clearance between the tire and that edge of the bumper by loosening the bumper bolts and pushing the bumper towards the body as they are retightened.

18ft/lbs sounds about right for the carrier mounting bolts, as the nut plates inside the tailgate aren't very strong.

Sponsored