Adjusting tailgate closure - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MIKE'67 · 06-12-2002, 08:29 AM

My tailgate doesn't close quite as close on the drivers side. Is there any way to adjust for a slightly tighter fit? The protruding arm or hook of the tailgate doesn't seem to go all the way in the rectangle hole.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 06-12-2002, 09:31 AM

Unless the tailgate/bedsides have been damaged, you should be able to adjust the tailgate to close and line up on both sides.

I would start by lining up the body lines by moving the hinges up or down. You can also align in and out slightly at the bottom of the tailgate by moving the hinges. Once this is set, try to close the gate. If the plunger does not fit into the strike, adjust them up or down, if needed. As a last resort, I have elongated the holes, but usually adjustment will do it.

Make sure that the plungers move in and out freely as they are spring loaded. Sometimes the handle mechanism is sticky and does not allow the plungers to move.

Good luck!

Jim

06-12-2002, 08:29 AM	#1
MIKE'67 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Albertville, Alabama USA Posts: 299	Adjusting tailgate closure My tailgate doesn't close quite as close on the drivers side. Is there any way to adjust for a slightly tighter fit? The protruding arm or hook of the tailgate doesn't seem to go all the way in the rectangle hole. __________________ 1977 Short Stepside, black, 350/350. Located in Albertville, Alabama.

06-12-2002, 09:31 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Unless the tailgate/bedsides have been damaged, you should be able to adjust the tailgate to close and line up on both sides. I would start by lining up the body lines by moving the hinges up or down. You can also align in and out slightly at the bottom of the tailgate by moving the hinges. Once this is set, try to close the gate. If the plunger does not fit into the strike, adjust them up or down, if needed. As a last resort, I have elongated the holes, but usually adjustment will do it. Make sure that the plungers move in and out freely as they are spring loaded. Sometimes the handle mechanism is sticky and does not allow the plungers to move. Good luck! Jim Last edited by JimKshortstep4x4; 06-12-2002 at 09:33 AM.



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