Tailgate NON-removal

[firemedic2714]

I just put a hose clamp over tailgate assembly. I did it as a theft deterrent plus its less than a dollar to install. Sorry I dont have a picture of it.

I bought mine in 2019 so I have one already, but if I didn't, this is a great "fix" for anybody that doesn't.

Sponsored

 

[firemedic2714]

And some people may have disconnected the electrical connection from the tailgate lock because they got really annoyed about the tailgate being locked whenever they wanted to open it and didn't have their key fob with them. They use the key to lock it when needed.

A hose clamp is a great idea to keep the tailgate from inadvertently coming out of the slot. From other posts (and here) it looks like the newer JTs are not built with the threaded nut for the tailgate bracket.

Yeah, I get that. The electric lock actuator in my tailgate has recently started to fail when I have the doors off forcing me to use the key. I can verify that it's pretty aggravating in the moment.

 

[jayfitz]

Ok, will do.

Bracket arrived today, installed in 30 seconds. 2023 High Altitude.

 

[IamPro2A]

Bracket arrived today, installed in 30 seconds. 2023 High Altitude.

You had an exposed threaded hole, or was there some sort of cap or plug?

 

[jayfitz]

You had an exposed threaded hole, or was there some sort of cap or plug?

Yeah. Is the exposed threaded hole not factory?

If you look at the actual tailgate "pin", you can see some paint scraped away. I'm thinking the previous owner removed the tailgate habitually. Unless that happens just from use. Maybe there was a bracket there that was removed?

 

[IamPro2A]

Yeah. Is the exposed threaded hole not factory?

If you look at the actual tailgate "pin", you can see some paint scraped away. I'm thinking the previous owner removed the tailgate habitually. Unless that happens just from use. Maybe there was a bracket there that was removed?

That's what I'm trying to figure out. Obviously if the bracket is/was there, the threads must be, but this is what my brand new 2025 looks like. Does not appear to be threaded, though it's possible there is a plug in there covering it that gets painted with the bed.

 

[jayfitz]

That's what I'm trying to figure out. Obviously if the bracket is/was there, the threads must be, but this is what my brand new 2025 looks like. Does not appear to be threaded, though it's possible there is a plug in there covering it that gets painted with the bed.

Yeah, that could be a plug. Although, the rectangular opening on the left that receives a tab looks to be plugged on yours as well.

 

[Mr._Bill]

This is my '23 High Altitude, built 10/23.

 

[jayfitz]

This is my '23 High Altitude, built 10/23.

Well, that changes everything!! Was this an option at the time? It looks like on my '23, the previous owner possibly had the bracket, removed it , and the holes were left? Weird.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Well, that changes everything!! Was this an option at the time? It looks like on my '23, the previous owner possibly had the bracket, removed it , and the holes were left? Weird.

I'm guessing, from the build date, this was one of the last '23s built, and the feature had already been removed from the assembly line in preparation for the '24 builds to start.

 

[jayfitz]

I'm guessing, from the build date, this was one of the last '23s built, and the feature had already been removed from the assembly line in preparation for the '24 builds to start.

This was with the unwrapped manual when purchased. Would Sept 1, 2022 be the build date?

 

[Mr._Bill]

This was with the unwrapped manual when purchased. Would Sept 1, 2022 be the build date?

The build date is on the silver label on the door jamb, that is the month and year when it was finished. There is also a MDH on the label, which is the month, day, and hour the build was started.

 

[IamPro2A]

I think for now, I am just going to remove the bracket from my '21 before I sell it, and sort out making it work on the '25 when the weather is nicer. But if anyone else has one with the holes seemingly blocked off like mine tries it first, please do share.

 

[firemedic2714]

A small stainless steel hose clamp wrapped around it would do the trick and probably cost less than $3.

Sponsored