Banging tailgate

[wildcard]

Does anyone have a fix for a loose tailgate ? Mine has a lot of slack on the bottom where it hinges. And when I hit a hole or rough spot, of which there are plenty in East Texas, it sounds as if my entire bed fell off. In the closed position there is about 1/2 " of play up and down.

[mljjones67]

Is the round mounting holes all wallered out on the tail gate?

[wildcard]

I think so. But it's been raining most of the day so I haven't looked real hard at it. I used to think it was the bed since the bolts were all loose. After replacing them, it still had the "bang". Then I decided it was the 2-1/2 ton floor jack. So, riding around early this morning on a country road, I put the jack in the toolbox. As I walked behind it, I picked up on the bottom of the tailgate to see if I could make anything rattle and the gate lifted up. After wedging some small pieces of wood in the bottom between the bed and gate, it stopped the banging.

[mljjones67]

sounds like its time for a new tailgate.

[wildcard]

Probably so. It needs some body work anyway. It's actually the only bad part of the entire truck. Maybe next week I'll get a chance to look around for a replacement. Thanks.

[mljjones67]

If you were closer I have two real nice ones. One is in near new condition. The truck had a camper put in it right off the show room floor the tail gate was put in the garage. Good luck in your search