ourjeeps
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- Dennis
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- 2024 JT RubiconX 2017 JKU Rubicon RECON 1974 CJ-5 AMC304 T18A
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Long time truck and Jeep owner. There are several threads on Gladiator tailgate removal steps on this forum and one includes illustrated instructions from the FCA Service body service library (23 - Body / Decklid/Hatch/Liftgate/Tailgate/Swing Gate / TAILGATE / Removal and Installation).
Came across this issue when removing the tailgate on a JTRX for working access/clearance, to install a 48" OPT7 Redline Parlux Triple Row Tailgate Light Bar.
The description of the tailgate removal process on the FCA Service body service library text, apparently does NOT cover Gladiators with the "soft open function" on the tailgate (prevents tailgate from slamming open (down) against the tailgate check cables). Conventional tailgate removal steps, on most mgf brands of pickup trucks can be easily accomplished in a minute or two if the tailgate is unlocked, which is why tailgate theft can be/has been a problem.
For soft open tailgates, in addition to first disconnecting the tailgate brake light and the camera (if equipped) wire connectors (center bottom), and disconnecting (Torx 45) the two tailgte check cables, you need to tilt the tailgate open ~45 degrees until the flats of passenger side post are aligned with right side post socket slot and then pull it up/out. Note - the driver's side post is also has flats like the passenger side, HOWEVER if your JT has the soft open feature, you need to return the tailgate to straight up position, to then pull the post out of the driver's side soft close socket --- trying to pull it out of the driver's side post at either the mid open or full open position will not work, because the soft open mechanism is creating a huge amount of torsional friction on the post, so even if you hit the tailgate with a big dead blow hammer to dislodge the post - the tailgate needs to be vertical to release the tortional forces on the driver's side flat post.
Came across this issue when removing the tailgate on a JTRX for working access/clearance, to install a 48" OPT7 Redline Parlux Triple Row Tailgate Light Bar.
The description of the tailgate removal process on the FCA Service body service library text, apparently does NOT cover Gladiators with the "soft open function" on the tailgate (prevents tailgate from slamming open (down) against the tailgate check cables). Conventional tailgate removal steps, on most mgf brands of pickup trucks can be easily accomplished in a minute or two if the tailgate is unlocked, which is why tailgate theft can be/has been a problem.
For soft open tailgates, in addition to first disconnecting the tailgate brake light and the camera (if equipped) wire connectors (center bottom), and disconnecting (Torx 45) the two tailgte check cables, you need to tilt the tailgate open ~45 degrees until the flats of passenger side post are aligned with right side post socket slot and then pull it up/out. Note - the driver's side post is also has flats like the passenger side, HOWEVER if your JT has the soft open feature, you need to return the tailgate to straight up position, to then pull the post out of the driver's side soft close socket --- trying to pull it out of the driver's side post at either the mid open or full open position will not work, because the soft open mechanism is creating a huge amount of torsional friction on the post, so even if you hit the tailgate with a big dead blow hammer to dislodge the post - the tailgate needs to be vertical to release the tortional forces on the driver's side flat post.
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Am wondering if these soft-open mechanisms are on/in all JT models/years, or only certain packages/years. Located no other posts on the forum about these mechanisms, which is why I posted the above tip on removing/re-installing a soft-open tailgate.
