Tailgate Alignment Bolt Torque

[MurphNH]

Got my RHO yesterday and today I was just taking care of a few things like the tailgate not being centered. I got it centered and need to install the retainer bolt that appears to have red thread locker on it. The Mopar video says to replace the bolt or use mopar thread locker. Does anyone know the torque for that bolt? Was going to also put a drop of red thread locker on it.

 

[Banger]

Can you walk me through your centering process? Mine needs a bit of correction also. Thanks in advance

 

[MurphNH]

You can watch the video below but all you need to do is loosen the bolt that you take out to remove the tailgate. After that you can move the tailgate in the direction you need to close the gap on. It took a bit of effort to break the tailgate loose. I pushed in the direction I needed it to go while hitting the hinge bolt with a rubber mallet. There must be paint that needs to break loose. Mine is perfectly centered now.

 

[Cautionary Tale]

Got my RHO yesterday and today I was just taking care of a few things like the tailgate not being centered. I got it centered and need to install the retainer bolt that appears to have red thread locker on it. The Mopar video says to replace the bolt or use mopar thread locker. Does anyone know the torque for that bolt? Was going to also put a drop of red thread locker on it.

If using a red threadlocker (red requires a LOT of heat to break) I'd torque 1/4" turn past snug. Not sure why blue wouldn't do the job here though.

 

[MurphNH]

If using a red threadlocker (red requires a LOT of heat to break) I'd torque 1/4" turn past snug. Not sure why blue wouldn't do the job here though.

I was thinking the same thing about using blue but I second guessed myself when I saw red on the bolt from the factory. Thanks for the input and I will do both of your suggestions.

 

[Banger]

I was thinking the same thing about using blue but I second guessed myself when I saw red on the bolt from the factory. Thanks for the input and I will do both of your suggestions.

How difficult was it to loosen the bolt with the factory thread lock on it?

 

[MurphNH]

Not difficult at all. I only noticed it had thread locker after taking the bolt out.

 

[MurphNH]

Now time to deal with the touch up paint damage. Amazing the factory would damage a panel and smack touch up paint on it and call it good. That being said I am in love with this truck and it has already exceeded my expectations.

 

[OldSchool]

Now time to deal with the touch up paint damage. Amazing the factory would damage a panel and smack touch up paint on it and call it good. That being said I am in love with this truck and it has already exceeded my expectations.

Yeah, pretty disappointed with the bad panel alignment and gaps. It's on my to-do list for the front fenders/hood at the A-pillar as well as the tailgate that rubs on the passenger side.

 

[Drogon]

I am going to tackle the alignment on my tailgate this weekend. The tailgate is almost touching the body panel on the upper passenger side.
Is it required that i remove the bolt, or will I have enough play to make the adjustments with it loosened?
Is thread locker a required?

 

[Wrinkled_Donut]

Forwarding this thread to SHAP

 

[Mikey Swift]

Forwarding this thread to SHAP

SHAP...*clicks delete*

 

[eltaco]

FYI - I tried to do this to fix my gap immediately when purchased, and I couldn’t get that tailgate to move to save my life.

For my truck, I had to lift the tailgate up nearly to the close point, and then it slid right over. Moral of the story, don’t need to hit it with a hammer… might just need to lift it a bit and then slide it to the side.

 

[RHONC]

I am going to tackle the alignment on my tailgate this weekend. The tailgate is almost touching the body panel on the upper passenger side.
Is it required that i remove the bolt, or will I have enough play to make the adjustments with it loosened?
Is thread locker a required?

FYI - I tried to do this to fix my gap immediately when purchased, and I couldn’t get that tailgate to move to save my life.

For my truck, I had to lift the tailgate up nearly to the close point, and then it slid right over. Moral of the story, don’t need to hit it with a hammer… might just need to lift it a bit and then slide it to the side

I also had to lift the gate almost to the closing point (this is the same way you remove the tailgate) and slid it over. The adjustment was easy but the tailgate returned back to the off center position on the next drive. I had added a rubber washer in the shroud build into the tailgate that connects to the truck to keep it center.

 

[eltaco]

I also had to lift the gate almost to the closing point (this is the same way you remove the tailgate) and slid it over. The adjustment was easy but the tailgate returned back to the off center position on the next drive. I had added a rubber washer in the shroud build into the tailgate that connects to the truck to keep it center.

Interestingly, mine also moved back over on the first close. I went through the same adjustment and gave the bolt some additional torque and so far it’s stayed put.

 

[Drogon]

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[Drogon]

I also had to lift the gate almost to the closing point (this is the same way you remove the tailgate) and slid it over. The adjustment was easy but the tailgate returned back to the off center position on the next drive. I had added a rubber washer in the shroud build into the tailgate that connects to the truck to keep it center.

I am going to add a washer. Mine has moved back twice after the adjustment.
What size washer did you use? Is it possible to take a picture of the location it was placed?

 

[eltaco]

I am going to add a washer. Mine has moved back twice after the adjustment.
What size washer did you use? Is it possible to take a picture of the location it was placed?

Same story for me. I just noticed yesterday that mine has migrated back. I’m not sure what causes it, but seems it needs a spacer to help hold position.

 

[RHONC]

I am going to add a washer. Mine has moved back twice after the adjustment.
What size washer did you use? Is it possible to take a picture of the location it was placed?

The area where the red X is. Raise the tailgate almost to the close position and it will allow you to pull this side of the tailgate off the pinion the shroud (red x sits on. When you get it off of the pinion insert a washer (about 1/8" thick or less) in the shroud. This will keep it from shifting. I used the rubber washer below and cut in half to make it thin.

 

[Drogon]

View attachment 22518
The area where the red X is. Raise the tailgate almost to the close position and it will allow you to pull this side of the tailgate off the pinion the shroud (red x sits on. When you get it off of the pinion insert a washer (about 1/8" thick or less) in the shroud. This will keep it from shifting. I used the rubber washer below and cut in half to make it thin.

Thank you for your assistance! Looking forward to resolving this on my truck!