Best way to remove brackets on Tailgate? (behind the spare)

infernicus · **Posted:** Thu Oct 15, 2009 4:15 pm

UPDATE:
So, I just used a 1/4 inch socket, and it came right out with no visible damage to the screw. I'm sure if you had to do it all the time then maybe, but it worked perfectly to pull out and put back in.

----------------------------------------------------------

Hey guys, so as you can see from the pictures I had a little accident, I backed into a pole, brilliant, I know.. unfortunately I've left it alone and there is a bit of rust.. And the rain today isn't helping.. Clearly I want to rectify the situation.. What is the best way to remove the black 'brackets'? Do they just pry off with a little bit of muscle? or do I have to tackle it from the inside of the tailgate?

Much appreciated!

And since I've already explained myself, I might as well ask the best way to sand and re-seal it, I don't care about painting it the same color, because for now, its still behind the spare, I figured I'd just use a clear coat, or something along those lines.

Thanks again!

rlanda · **Posted:** Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:01 pm

It is very easy to remove the spare tire bracket, you don't have to remove the interior panel from the tail gate.

First, after removing the spare tire, remove the four nuts that hold the spare tire bracket in place. After that,
just pull the bracket and it comes out of its place.

Next, those screws the nuts you removed in the previous step were attached to are indeed torx screws, right now
don't remember the size but with the appropiate torx bit and a wrench they come off easily also.

Those screws hold the two metal pieces (I don't know what their name is) so when you remove the screws, those pieces simply fall
and then you're done. Ah, and between these metal pieces and the tailgate, there are two plastic sheets that protect the
paint from the metal (at least I think that's their purpose).

infernicus · **Posted:** Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:18 pm

I don't understand.. I've never seen an inverted torx bit for that, usually the end is the bit itself, the screw would fit over that.. do I have to fab something up? or do those bits exist?

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:47 pm

You can buy the sockets for them or take two of the nuts and run them down on tighten together and then the rear most put a wrench on and remove easy and simple.

bugnout · **Posted:** Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:47 pm

The tool exists, but can be expensive.

A couple of options:
Use two nuts butt together threaded onto the studs, then you should be able to use a wrench to turn them out
Use a visegrip type locking plier. If you end up damaging them, just buy new ones from Chrysler. Not sure what they would cost, but probably less than the tool.

03Cactus · **Joined:** Mon Mar 09, 2009 8:03 pm **Posts:** 49

I used the vice grip option and it worked flawlessly. With that in mind, i did not intend on putting my spare back on. The threads of those bolts will be messed up if you go with this option. It requires some muscle but eventually they break loose and screw out quite easily.

If you intend on reinstalling your spare bracket, I would recommend buying the correct tool.

infernicus · **Posted:** Thu Oct 15, 2009 6:40 pm

So, I just used a 1/4 inch socket, and it came right out with no visible damage to the screw. I'm sure if you had to do it all the time then maybe, but it worked perfectly to pull out and put back in.

Thanks everybody for helping me out. (as per usual)

Now I just have to sand the paint and re-coat it.

surfRenegade · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 11:39 pm

Can you please exlpain how you took the four torx bolts out again without damaging them? i dont understand how you could possibly use a socket on them. I can take a pic of mine if that helps.
Thanks
Sam

infernicus · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 11:43 pm

I don't remember exactly, but just start with a smaller socket that slips over tightly and turn slowly as to not strip the screws..

surfRenegade · **Posted:** Thu Jun 16, 2011 11:45 pm

ah finally found Toms method after digging around:

Quote:

Funny how people make this out to be a hard job. All you have to do is use the stock nuts that hold the bracket on. Take two install the first one backwards about 1/2 way on the threads, , run the next one up to it and tighten them together. Then put a wrench on the inside one and take it off. repeat on each one if needed. nothing to buy, you don't twist the ends off , all very simple

2006 KJ · **Posted:** Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:38 pm

tommudd wrote:

You can buy the sockets for them or take two of the nuts and run them down on tighten together and then the rear most put a wrench on and remove easy and simple.

^^^this

gtommec · **Posted:** Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:52 pm

easy as cake...

Best way to remove brackets on Tailgate? (behind the spare)

Who is online