Tailgate pivot bearing install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**chev3600** · 10-02-2010, 08:18 PM

I dont know if anyone else has done it like this yet, so check it out. So, being the frugal person I am, I couldn't see spending all the money for the fancy poly bushing they sell for the tailgate trunion. I saw a nice bearing setup in tractor supply store.

So here is what happended next: Unbolt the rear cross sill, and slightly grind out the pocket. I wanted a near press fit but removable.

bolt the bearing to the bed side, it already has a little collar on the bearing.

And finally put it back together.

The rest of the truck is pretty rough, but the tailgate is smoooooth. And the wallet only took a 7 dollar hit.

Lextech · 10-02-2010, 08:23 PM

Nice low dollar upgrade. Thanks for sharing.

Jeff

dwcsr · 10-02-2010, 10:06 PM

I like that. Very simple fix.

shane o · 10-02-2010, 10:49 PM

Thank you very good idea, I will be using this one.

Dan Bowles · 10-03-2010, 02:31 PM

Did you need the bandaid before or after working on the hinge?! Nice work. I'm in TSC about 3 times a week and walk right by that rack and never thought of it! Guess I'll make the effort next trip.

CEE1NG_RED · 01-12-2011, 02:12 AM

NicEE!

BigJock · 01-12-2011, 02:59 AM

As a 'thrifty' Scot, I have a reputation to uphold, thanks for this low dollar tip!

**chev3600** · 01-12-2011, 08:31 AM

Thanks. I'm still looking for a cheap and unique tailgate chain solution. I don't care for the look of the metal straps that are becoming popular.

cajundragger · 01-12-2011, 12:35 PM

http://www.pros-pick.com/checkstrap.html

duwem · 01-12-2011, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cajundragger

http://www.pros-pick.com/checkstrap.html

Any idea if you can sit on the tail gate with those?

I would be concerned about the bolt that holds them to the tailgate pulling out of the sheet metal.

OrrieG · 01-12-2011, 02:21 PM

Go to Oriellys, etc. They have the cable type in the repair section for MUCH less than the link. They are in different lengths. Weak link for sitting will be the connections not the strap itself or if a big boy sits in the middle the tail gate itself.

10-02-2010, 08:18 PM	#1
chev3600 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 444	Tailgate pivot bearing install I dont know if anyone else has done it like this yet, so check it out. So, being the frugal person I am, I couldn't see spending all the money for the fancy poly bushing they sell for the tailgate trunion. I saw a nice bearing setup in tractor supply store. So here is what happended next: Unbolt the rear cross sill, and slightly grind out the pocket. I wanted a near press fit but removable. bolt the bearing to the bed side, it already has a little collar on the bearing. And finally put it back together. The rest of the truck is pretty rough, but the tailgate is smoooooth. And the wallet only took a 7 dollar hit. __________________ 1949/1954 with LS swap-yeah! http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/i...0/AD%20trucks/jumbled mess of unorganized photos

10-02-2010, 08:23 PM	#2
Lextech Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oak Forest, Ill. Posts: 194	Re: Tailgate pivot bearing install Nice low dollar upgrade. Thanks for sharing. Jeff

10-02-2010, 10:06 PM	#3
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: Tailgate pivot bearing install I like that. Very simple fix.

10-02-2010, 10:49 PM	#4
shane o Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sandy Utah Posts: 30	Re: Tailgate pivot bearing install Thank you very good idea, I will be using this one.

10-03-2010, 02:31 PM	#5
Dan Bowles AD Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Blissfield, MI Posts: 822	Re: Tailgate pivot bearing install Did you need the bandaid before or after working on the hinge?! Nice work. I'm in TSC about 3 times a week and walk right by that rack and never thought of it! Guess I'll make the effort next trip.

01-12-2011, 02:12 AM	#6
CEE1NG_RED Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: LBC California Posts: 497	Re: Tailgate pivot bearing install NicEE!

01-12-2011, 02:59 AM	#7
BigJock Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Dundonald, Scotland Posts: 120	Re: Tailgate pivot bearing install As a 'thrifty' Scot, I have a reputation to uphold, thanks for this low dollar tip!

01-12-2011, 08:31 AM	#8
chev3600 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 444	Re: Tailgate pivot bearing install Thanks. I'm still looking for a cheap and unique tailgate chain solution. I don't care for the look of the metal straps that are becoming popular. __________________ 1949/1954 with LS swap-yeah! http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/i...0/AD%20trucks/jumbled mess of unorganized photos

01-12-2011, 12:35 PM	#9
cajundragger Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,008	Re: Tailgate pivot bearing install http://www.pros-pick.com/checkstrap.html

01-12-2011, 02:21 PM	#11
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Tailgate pivot bearing install Go to Oriellys, etc. They have the cable type in the repair section for MUCH less than the link. They are in different lengths. Weak link for sitting will be the connections not the strap itself or if a big boy sits in the middle the tail gate itself. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project



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