Converted my tailgate to quick remove

[bigmoe]

Practiced on my old tailgate first. Was pretty easy to do.

[crewguy]

Originally Posted by bigmoe

Practiced on my old tailgate first. Was pretty easy to do.

Great idea. Will be trying this also. When the tailgate is up, can you see any of the notch on the bottom of the gate(pivot point)? I'm thinking to maybe have the notch at about 7 o'clock instead of on the bottom(6 o'clock)...make sense? Would be hidden by the end of the bed floor.

[bigmoe]

Originally Posted by crewguy

Great idea. Will be trying this also. When the tailgate is up, can you see any of the notch on the bottom of the gate(pivot point)? I'm thinking to maybe have the notch at about 7 o'clock instead of on the bottom(6 o'clock)...make sense? Would be hidden by the end of the bed floor.

I don't think it's visible but clocking it back slightly might be a good idea. You'd just have to open it 1/3 of the way and pull, instead of 1/2 way.

[Pontitruck]

Moe, what did you cut the trunnion with? I'd like to do this too.

[raidmagic]

Just curious, why? I can't recall the last time I removed the tailgate on my truck. I'm talking my newer truck that is quick removal.

[bigmoe]

Originally Posted by Pontitruck

Moe, what did you cut the trunnion with? I'd like to do this too.

1/16" cutting wheel on my angle grinder.

[bigmoe]

Originally Posted by raidmagic

Just curious, why? I can't recall the last time I removed the tailgate on my truck. I'm talking my newer truck that is quick removal.

My truck is getting painted. For one thing I was worried I'd scratch the paint reinstalling the tailgate having to slide that trunnion down.

[crewguy]

Originally Posted by raidmagic

Just curious, why? I can't recall the last time I removed the tailgate on my truck. I'm talking my newer truck that is quick removal.

Might have a vintage slide in camper down the road, in which case tailgate will need to be removed...makes removal easier and no paint scratches.

[Brad54]

I've removed the tail gate several times on every truck I've ever owned. (three Dodge Dakotas, the '76 Power Wagon that I haven't even driven that much in the year it was on the road, and the '96 Chevy 3500.)
I can see this modification being a big benefit, and I'd have never thought about it!

[raidmagic]

Originally Posted by bigmoe

My truck is getting painted. For one thing I was worried I'd scratch the paint reinstalling the tailgate having to slide that trunnion down.

Originally Posted by Brad54

I've removed the tail gate several times on every truck I've ever owned. (three Dodge Dakotas, the '76 Power Wagon that I haven't even driven that much in the year it was on the road, and the '96 Chevy 3500.)
I can see this modification being a big benefit, and I'd have never thought about it!

Certainly a nice option to have but not something I guess I've ever thought about.

[dracko]

Thanks for reminding me, about to spray final primer and almost forgot. Did the cut out notch lastnight. Looking forward to putting my freshly painted tailgate on without messing around with the trunnions.

Not sure it’s necessary but I’m thinking about grinding down the shoulder on the opposite trunnion to round it off so it’s easier to slide into the tailgate. Have you installed the gate with this mod? Pretty easy?

[bigmoe]

Originally Posted by dracko

Thanks for reminding me, about to spray final primer and almost forgot. Did the cut out notch lastnight. Looking forward to putting my freshly painted tailgate on without messing around with the trunnions.

Not sure it’s necessary but I’m thinking about grinding down the shoulder on the opposite trunnion to round it off so it’s easier to slide into the tailgate. Have you installed the gate with this mod? Pretty easy?

My box and tailgate are at the body shop for a while. They will work on it between insurance jobs so it will be a while.

[akqj9]

Just remember, it quick remove for the thieves too. After having my F150 tailgate stolen, I went the other way and changed it to need wrenches to come off. I'll bet if you asked 100 truck owners you wouldn't find more than 5 that have ever taken it off.

[Pontitruck]

Originally Posted by akqj9

Just remember, it quick remove for the thieves too. After having my F150 tailgate stolen, I went the other way and changed it to need wrenches to come off. I'll bet if you asked 100 truck owners you wouldn't find more than 5 that have ever taken it off.

On our old trucks they won't know it can be taken off like newer trucks.