glazier

Am I at risk of causing damage without the hinge? I picked up the carrier already.

BlazeJK

I just installed the hinge and mount 3 weeks ago. Like the previous post, BEST purchase I've made for the Jeep so far. This thing is SOLID. No movement, rattles, or squeaks. The tailgate closure action is heavy and smooth, and feels the way it should have felt from the factory. It really is a night and day difference. I was skeptical before the install, but I am truly a believer now. And I can choose the bumper that I want and not have to worry about the carrier portion. Excellent product!

The Black Jeep

If the weight of your tire is on the gate yes
The sheet metal starts to pull the spot welds on the inside
The hinge takes the weight off the gate
Also a bumper tire carrier works

Billbikes

The hinge and carrier work together. If anything get the hinge first. The adjustable carrier just gets the tire closer to the tailgate, but there's still too much weight on the spot welds. You may be fine as others have, or you not.

The Black Jeep

I thought I would be fine too but really I think it's just a matter of time
Not if it will it's when it will start pulling away jmo

glazier

I picked up the hinge just in case

glazier

Did anyone coat the hinge or the bare spots under the stock hinges with fluid film or similar?

bluebear

A lot of people, including myself hit the bare spots under the stock hinge with a few coats of paint. I didn't see any need to do anything to the new hinge itself though.

TeraFlex

I've seen a few that taped that area off and hit it with some primer.

etl330

Is it normal for the powder coat to be worn on the edges of my hinge?