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Hi folks!
I got a new to me 2020 XLT with 15 K on the clock and the truck is pristine!
This weekend i gave it a hand wash and detail. It was raining the day i bought it and on / off rain ever since. So today was really the first time i saw it clean in the daylight. Impressed I am!
On tiny B-B size chip on the rear drivers door and one boot mark on the passenger side bed. (now mostly rubbed out)
The only thing bugging me is the tailgate:
I appears completely flush top and bottom on the passenger side but the driver side is off by a 1/2 inch or more. With the gate closed the bottom of the gate appears to be just proud of the tail light. The top of the gate looks open about 1/2 inch.
I was looking at the bottom attachment of the lower hinge. Looks like it needs to go forward just a tad. But how to get a tool on it? Looking at the latch pin on the top. Is this adjustable?
Figured I should ask here before, i screw something up.
Thank you in advance!
Gotcha! Gap on driver's side Looking inboard driver's side. The gap on driver side Passenger side Much better allingment on passenger side The hinge screws How to get on the lower screw? If it will make a adjustment. Is this black pin adjustable?
Last edited by 1/2 Ton; Feb 5, 2023 at 06:59 PM.
Reason: fat finger spelling
Not sure if that latch pin is adjustable, but either it or the latch itself must be. Both of my tailgates align(ed) better than that. If you bought from a dealer, I'd run it by them and ask them to make the adjustment. Enjoy your new truck!
Not sure if that latch pin is adjustable, but either it or the latch itself must be. Both of my tailgates align(ed) better than that. If you bought from a dealer, I'd run it by them and ask them to make the adjustment. Enjoy your new truck!
Yes I did buy from a dealership. I was kinda hopeful to just do a DIY project on it. Just because things like cars, trucks and bikes just don't really feel like there mine until, i put a wrench to em... It bugs the crap out of me for a mechanic to work on my vehicles out of view. (As All dealerships do)
This looks to be a rather simple fix. So i figured it would make a good bonding project... So to speak.
Just to close this out:
I fixed it myself by removing the tailgate, loosened the two big torques with the recess heads on the hinge. Used a punch to set the hinge about 1/8" farther forward.
I also loosen the long catch bolt up top and moved it forward about 1/8". Tighten the screws and put the tailgate back on. Both sides match on the first attempt.
That's a first! Easy peasy fix!
I hate it when folks ask a forum for help, then just go away. This helps no one who may have the same question latter on. Always close a topic with the final answer.
That's simpler than I thought. I was going to warn you about trying to remove the tailgate by yourself, but I didn't think that was going to be necessary. I guess it was.
That's simpler than I thought. I was going to warn you about trying to remove the tailgate by yourself, but I didn't think that was going to be necessary. I guess it was.
I was concerned about the new electronic gizmos in the tail gate. So i made sure to refresh myself with the owner's manual before i removed the tailgate.
It removes the exact same way as all the old school p/u truck gates; Except the wire connection plug below, tucked into the back pan. Easy enough!
2020 XLT Tailgate alignment
