Can the tailgate be adjusted at all?

Wajeep

TJ Enthusiast
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Jan 27, 2021
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124
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Wa State
Hey everyone. My tailgate shuts and latches but it jiggles back and forth a little. I’m concerned about water getting inside. I don’t see anywhere where that can be adjusted. Am I missing something? Ideas on how to remedy. Thanks!
 
Adjust the stricker pin inward a bit until it keeps tension. It should be a T-50 torx.
Forgive me for asking...is the sticker pin, the part in the back of the Jeep where the Jeep door latches?
 
Forgive me for asking...is the sticker pin, the part in the back of the Jeep where the Jeep door latches?
Yep. As you can see in the picture there is a good amount of adjustment that can be made.
20210223_134957.jpg
 
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That's how I fixed/adjusted mine. No more rattling noises. You can also use the T-50 to adjust your door strikers.
 
Mine has some washers on it. Do I remove a washer to screw it in a bit?
No need to remove the washers. You just need to loosen it enough to slide it around. You will have to do a bit of trial and error to find the right spot. I find it easiest to lean over the tailgate with the rear window up. Start by centering the stiker with the lock clasps. After that move it forward or backwards until you find the right spot. When adjusting it just screw it in hand tight so you can make easy adjustments. It will hold. When finished then torque it down. The clasp has two closure points. If the striker bar is to far forward (towards the front of the Jeep) the clasp will only lock once and be loose. The bar has to be positioned so that the clasp will fully engage and be tight.
 
is that slit running down it for some sort of locking retainer ? i dont want to put too much pressure on mine trying to loosen it if thats some locking devise. it doesn't want to move, might just need some kroil !
 
is that slit running down it for some sort of locking retainer ? i dont want to put too much pressure on mine trying to loosen it if thats some locking devise. it doesn't want to move, might just need some kroil !
Nope. It's just inexpensive manufacturing. That piece is just a bushing/spacer and is not part of the acctual stricker bolt. Definitely soak it in penetrating oil for a few days. It will still take some force to break free if it hasn't been removed in a while or ever.
 
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Nope. It's just inexpensive manufacturing. That piece is just a bushing/spacer and is not part of the acctual stricker bolt. Definitely soak it in penetrating oil for a few days. It will still take some force to break free if it hasn't been removed in a while or ever.
thanks for the reply, i'll start soaking it
 
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