You can get a non step tailgate metal cover and eliminate the handle. Many have done that from I've seen.

 

yeah I know that, but if they're going to replace the entire tailgate to repair it, I just wonder if it's possible to get them to order the step-less tailgate, and do some parts swapping, at no charge of coarse

 

Wow that's crazy.

Maybe I'm just not seeing it, but that's not actually part of the support structure, is it? Don't our tailgates lift out simply by unhooking the cable on either side and lifting the gate up at a 45degree angle off the keyed hinge pins on the truck?

 

That looks like a cold weld to me. There is no penetration. When a good spot weld is forced apart, there should be a steel nugget left behind. I don't think it can be re-spotted. It would have to be mig welded. Ask for a new tailgate.

 

Alright somebody school me on this. I just went out and looked at my tailgate and I don't have that hinge! Just the round thingy on the side so you can lift out the tailgate. I did a double take on the pictures on page 1 of this thread and still I can't figure it out.

 

Hummm... maybe because it has the step in it?

 

Yeah it may wrap around like this for the extra strength for the step setup... See how well that extra strength idea worked? lmao

 

I don't know why, but after reading your post today I decided to look at the hinge on my tailgate. It looks like mine has been repaired! (I bought my truck used with 12000 miles on it.) The first picture is the passanger side hinge and you can see were it has been screwed and riveted. The second picture is the drivers side hinge and there are no screws in it. I'm interested in hearing what the dealer says is the fix for this.

 

I have the part number for the plate to use on the tailgate instead of the handle, I actually have it on order from Tasca and intend to install it and have the tailgate coated once it is in place.

I found the thread with the info here, will have to see if I can dig it up.

 

I think I have the same thing on mine. I don't see any screws or rivets as I have Line-X and it covers most of the hinge. But, on the passenger side, it appears to have a bolt protruding through the hinge (covered in Line-X also). The driver side does not have this bolt though.

I bought mine brand new 2 months ago.

Very strange... I wonder if the torsion spring is fastened there or something? Just guessing.

Should we call this "tailgate-gate"?