if i am not mistaken, the lower pin is bolted to the tailgate? the top two latch pins are bolted to the rear quarter panels, but, the lower pins that the gate swings up and down are...??

the driver side one has rotted so bad the gate fell onto the bumper the last time i opened it.
i hate new england.

mr. mosher

 

Right there with ya buddy, hence the name...

I'm getting ready to buy a new one. I'm afraid every time I open it haha

 

The hinges bolt to the bottom of the tailgate and to the rear quarters in the tailgate jamb.
Most likely the tailgate has rotted out, not the hinge.