Recently my Ram 2500 tailgate was not opening easily. It needs to be pulled down and is also very hard to close. Disconnected the damper and no difference. Appears that the hinge is froze up. Took the tailgate off and could only get hinge to rotate using a crow bar. Went to dealer and ordered replacement hinge. It is PN 68362260AC, tailgate reinforcement with hinge. Upon trying to install it is apparent that the original is part of the truck body-spot welded in. A body shop is required to replace this part. I’m being told $500 to $750. What a poor design. Anyone have this problem and a better replacement option?
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2019 Ram 2500 Tailgate Hinge Replacement
- Thread starter stanhohol
- Start date
H3LZSN1P3R
You're doing it wrong
Some penetrating oil and work the hinge should free it up after a bit then spray some protective spray to keep it from locking up again. Should not need to replace it if it is moving even a bit
I tried that and it hasn’t improved. I now hav the tailgate popping out of the hinge when I force it down. The slot is more like a “v” now. On the new one the slotted internal is plastic per a magnet check. Thinking the penetrating fluid softened to plastic. Was expecting metal. I have the tailgate closed now and do not plan to open it unless needed since it pops out - all I need now is to damage the gate.
H3LZSN1P3R
You're doing it wrong
Yikes that makes things more of a pain
RamCares
RamCares Team
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We're sorry to hear of this, Stan. If concerns are present, please reach out to us directly. Our team would be more than willing to see where we can best assist in resolving this. Thank you for your time, and we hope to connect soon.
Chris,
Ram Cares
Have you checked to see if there's a recall on this?
I seem to have read on another forum there may have been. We know there's a latching recall, I don't know if the hinge was affected as well.
I seem to have read on another forum there may have been. We know there's a latching recall, I don't know if the hinge was affected as well.
H3LZSN1P3R
You're doing it wrong
Ouch, thats wild! Do you use your tailgate often?
CdnHO
Well-Known Member
Guess I will go out and lubricate the tailgate on mine. Will do the doors and hood while I am at it. LOL
Every other day it’s up or down depending on material length. Truck also has a topper on it so the gate comes down for anything that goes in. Also, I was advised that silicone spray should be used because there is a plastic bushing and some lubricants can cause it to deteriorate.
I would like Ram Cares to contact me.
You need to DM them or at least tag them.
(to tag someone, put an @ sign in front of the user name)
@stanhohol
@RamCares
H3LZSN1P3R
You're doing it wrong
Damn i was hoping it was from lack of use. Now i need to watch mine as it gets used daily
Please contact me
Did Ram cares help out at all? Mine just started doing the identical thing you’re describing. It’s embarrassing.
Ram Cares checked into recall, warranty side of problem which there wasn’t anything. I think they were willing to help set me up with a Ram affiliated body shop. I have been told to use silicone spray as it won’t degrade the plastic bushing and hold dirt like oil based lubricants. Hopefully you can catch it early enough to avoid the replacement expense.
I would use a good PTFE dry spray lube like crc or wd40 has a good one. NOT regular WD40.