2013 Tailgate guide rod broke... again
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Seattle Wa
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2013 Tailgate guide rod broke... again
I don't know the technical name for the part that broke. I am talking about the guide rod that holds the tailgate open. I know the 2013's have them and I believe the 2012s have them. The issue is that if the tailgate opens too far the rod comes out of its retaining hole. The first time it happened my wife didnt notice it happened and tried to shut it. Luckily, it was covered under warranty. This time she stopped before breaking it again. Ill take it back in to get fixed this week.
My question is, does anyone else have this issue? Also I am working up a plan for a strap to prevent the tailgate from opening too far. Has anyone done anything like that has pics? If not, ill post what I come up with.
My question is, does anyone else have this issue? Also I am working up a plan for a strap to prevent the tailgate from opening too far. Has anyone done anything like that has pics? If not, ill post what I come up with.
#3
JK Jedi Master
You are not alone. It has happened to quite a few people's JKs on the forum.
What has happened is the tail gate stops in the hinges have been damaged by letting the gate open too fast. The gate/spare tire has a lot of leverage over the hinge stops.
If you make a strap to limit the travel, it will have to be very strong, and adequately attached to be an effective stop. Once the gate approaches fully opened, it will give a tremendous pull on the strap.
What has happened is the tail gate stops in the hinges have been damaged by letting the gate open too fast. The gate/spare tire has a lot of leverage over the hinge stops.
If you make a strap to limit the travel, it will have to be very strong, and adequately attached to be an effective stop. Once the gate approaches fully opened, it will give a tremendous pull on the strap.