Missing bottom tailgate hinge bracket

[limitz]

Just installed the Morryde tailgate reinforcement kit, when I removed the OE tailgate, I noticed neither top or bottom hinge had a bracket. The tailgate was was replaced by insurance last year due to being rear ended.

On the bottom hinge, I can feel that the bolts are still threading onto something. Is this something the body shop fabricated and welded on? I can't get a good look at the fitting due to the plastic splashguard, but it seems like without something custom, the bolt would just free spin?

 

[TJ Jim]

If I understand the question, there’s no threads for the bolts to thread into? If your looking on the tub side for threads there is a plate that will fall down and you’ll lose the thread. You will have to pull your wheel well cover and fish the plates back up. There is some emission crap that will make it even more fun to fish for.

 

[limitz]

Just confused how there are threads, but no bracket. You confirmed what I wanted to know though, that on the OE setup, the bolt will free spin without that hinge bracket.

Makes me think the body shop tack tack welded a bracket there when they were repairing the tailgate. Doesn't make sense to have threads there any othe way.