Hi,

Just wondering if anyone knows the best way to tighten the closed fit on the tailgate. Gate is shut all the way, but has about 1/4" to 1/2" of play in it when closed all the way.

It's secure, but the problem is it makes the back window squeak and rattle unbeleivable. Totally unbearable noise.

The striker plates seem ok, and the latches seem to work properly. The only thing about the latches is that when I shut them all the way (w/ tailgate open so I can see), the hole seems to be somewhat egg shaped (instead of perfectly round). Not sure if this is natural or they're just worn out.

I tried to add some weatherstripping in gate/body connection to tighten the fit, and although that worked getting rid of the squeak and tighten the gate, it let water in. And also seems to put stress on the window. So that wasn't a good idea.

Also tried to loosen the actual latch mechanisms to see if I could adjust those. But I couldn't break those screws loose without destroying them.

So....I was wondering 1) Is there any sort of adjustment to tighten the fit of the tailgate?, and 2) If not, and if I have to loosen/remove the latch mechanisms, what is the best way to break those phillips head screws loose?

Thanks!

 

I would check the striker bolts to make sure the nylon bushings around them are still intact. I bought a new set of them for $4 at Autozone and it stopped my tailgate rattle completely.

 

Bingo. Thanks.

There were no bushings on either bolt. Didn't know they were supposed to have them.

 

Did that help? My tailgate is doing the same thing?

 

Yea, that was the solution. Went to autozone and for $4, I bought the nylon bushings kit. They are in that "HELP" products section (where all the misc. parts are).

Also picked up a $6 star bolt (torx?) set to get those striker bolts off.

I didn't even know they were supposed to be on the striker bolts since my truck didn't have 'em. Also found out that you can adjust the striker bolts when you put those back on. Did a little adjustment on those (about 1/8" in toward the body), and now have a flush fit when the gate is closed.

 

You can also adjust the tailgate at the hinges. This means that you have four points to adjust to get the tailgate "just right." When doing your adjustment, be sure that you're not stressing the glass as it slides into the upper window channel.