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.