Tailgate trouble! Cannot reattach.

[CatcusGrey]

Has anyone opened up the inside of their tailgate?

I was reinstalling my tailgate reinforcement today. There are threaded holes behind the sheet metal that secure the tailgate to the body. It seems to be a metal plate with two threaded holes, not secured to the frame.

Anyway, that plate came loose for the bottom hinge. It’s somewhere within the door skin but I can’t find it. Planning to go to the dealer on Tuesday, but hoping for any solutions that can be done at home!

First pic is the top hinge, with the plate in place (though it is loose) and second is the bottom hinge.

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[MNBigfoot]

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/read-this-before-installing-a-tailgate-reinforcement.68158/

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/tailgate-reinforcement-issues.95268/

 

[PWillette]

Oh man that sucks. Pull the plastic panels inside the tailgate and the drain plugs then find yourself a long flexible magnet and start fishing. Harbor Fright has them for cheap.

 

[CatcusGrey]

I was able to fish out the plate! But there is like a bracket in the way preventing it from getting flush on both side with the inside shell. Can’t figure out yet how to slide it into place…

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