Anyone have any suggestions on centering my tailgate. The gap on the one end causes my tail gate to shut incorrectly. I'm thinking i'll probably have to take it off, put it back on and center it. I just need instructions on removal.

 

The tailgate should self center unless there is dirt or other debris in the pivot points.

In this photo, it's easy to see one problem that is contributing to the misalignment. The top corners of the the tailgate are higher on the left and lower on the right, causing the gap to close up tighter on the right. There may also be some damage to the bed sides or the tailgate itself but that's hard to tell from the picture. (Accident?)

It looks like the pivot mounts on the bedsides may have been damaged or misadjusted at some point. I don't know if the pivot mounts are adjustable - I've never tried to adjust them. On my truck, it looks like they might be.

To remove the tailgate, support the weight of the gate and depress the retainer spring clips to release the two cables. Then raise the gate to its halfway position - about 45 degrees. You can then slide its pivot out of the right hand mount and then out of the left. This can be awkward to do alone and it's safer for the tailgate if you have help.

 

Thanks, i might get around to this later this week.

 

I have learned that kicking things fixes alot of problems. It usually works by breaking what needs to be fixed beyond repair allowing for an excuse to by a new one.

 

You got a big problem in that idea there.....you have to purchase the new piece....why spend money when you dont have to.

 

i found out that hitting things works well too. for instance, taking out my old alternator. bolts were frozen so i sprayed some penetrating lube and waited...nothing. so i took a ball pein(sp) hammer and tapped the alternator a bit. bolts turned just fine coming out.

second story: 8mm socket i need to put my battery back on falls down somewhere that i dont know and cant see so i get under the truck and start tapping random things. sure enough, socket falls right into my lap.

so, if you can't something to work tell it youre going to sell/get rid of it or knock it around a little bit.

 

I wish that worked for me, i dropped a socket and never found it.