Rear tailgate closure

[ShadowsPapa]

Yup, even slamming it with the tonneau retracted it just goes back to that sized gap.

It - the tailgate latches - need to be adjusted, then. The tonneau cover won't hold it back (at least the stock MOPAR roll-up cover won't - there's not that much stress or compression on that seal)

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[ecidiego]

Guys these aren't gonna be in any commercials with ball bearings like Lexus

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Guys these aren't gonna be in any commercials with ball bearings like Lexus

Man, you are old! LOL
No, but with some adjustments they can and should sit flush. The gaps on my truck are pretty even.
The pics I've seen here are problematic, in my eyes. I'd be adjusting them. I know how nice they CAN fit and how great and easy they can be to close and open. Since most sit pretty even and latch with a simple push of ONE HAND, then others should, or at least be closer than they are. I can lift and close mine with one hand and it latches like shown. My wife with her handicap can lift and close my tailgate with a simple single motion, one hand, it latches and is even.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

For those who have mis-aligned tailgates when closed, there are ways to adjust unless I'm mistaken.
These used latches almost identical to latches used in my cars, and they use strikers as well, just like cars. The striker can normally be loosened and adjusted in any direction - in, out, up, down, in and down, in and up, diagonally, whatever is needed. The hole these go through is much larger than the threaded base of the striker if my hunch is correct.

Chances are the hole for this striker is like this: over-sized with a thick threaded plate behind the sheet metal that can move around -

Same concept - adjust the striker to make the tailgate be farther in or out when latched.

Loosen the striker - just enough to move it around where you need it, tighten it and try the tailgate again.........

I also believe the lower hinge area is adjustable. There has to be ways to adjust things at the factory to account for tolerances. I have not taken mine loose as it's just a perfect fit I won't mess with it, but I have adjusted many doors, hoods, trunks and hatchbacks over the years and the concept is the same. They can't build these with a small hole and where nothing adjusts, it's just not possible (exception - Fords**)

I was touring a Ford plant in the 70s and saw a big guy with a huge rubber mallet and a 3' 2x4. He was literally adjusting trunk lids and doors on sedans. He'd put the 2x4 in the hinge area and lean as needed. We reminded me of a former Chicago Bears player.

 

[chorky]

For those who have mis-aligned tailgates when closed, there are ways to adjust unless I'm mistaken.
These used latches almost identical to latches used in my cars, and they use strikers as well, just like cars. The striker can normally be loosened and adjusted in any direction - in, out, up, down, in and down, in and up, diagonally, whatever is needed. The hole these go through is much larger than the threaded base of the striker if my hunch is correct.

Chances are the hole for this striker is like this: over-sized with a thick threaded plate behind the sheet metal that can move around -

Same concept - adjust the striker to make the tailgate be farther in or out when latched.

Loosen the striker - just enough to move it around where you need it, tighten it and try the tailgate again.........

I also believe the lower hinge area is adjustable. There has to be ways to adjust things at the factory to account for tolerances. I have not taken mine loose as it's just a perfect fit I won't mess with it, but I have adjusted many doors, hoods, trunks and hatchbacks over the years and the concept is the same. They can't build these with a small hole and where nothing adjusts, it's just not possible (exception - Fords**)

I was touring a Ford plant in the 70s and saw a big guy with a huge rubber mallet and a 3' 2x4. He was literally adjusting trunk lids and doors on sedans. He'd put the 2x4 in the hinge area and lean as needed. We reminded me of a former Chicago Bears player.

Yes you are correct. In some cases (not with the jeep) the actual locking mechanism can also be moved around.

Fortunately mine closed nice and flush with just a normal 'close' pressure. I was trying to be too nice to it...bieng my first brand new car and expensive and all. lol. Probably need to go get it scratched to get over that fear of it being a used outside exploratory vehicle. But its so darn pretty.....

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Yes you are correct. In some cases (not with the jeep) the actual locking mechanism can also be moved around.

The latch itself can't be moved- in cars or Jeeps. That's why I said the striker would be moved for adjustment. The latches are held in place in many cars with countersunk screws to hold them from shifting. (I put NOS latches in this car after painting it)
The screws sit in the tapered holes preventing the latch from shifting at all. The tailgate latch on Jeeps is very much like these.

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