Topic: Can you repair tailgate hinges on a 98 TJ

[Utwrangler25]

Anyone know if its possible to repair the tailgate hinges on a 98 TJ or if I have to replace them any suggestions on where to get them. I've already checked Quadratec and 4 wheelparts. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[neale_rs]

The possibility of repair depends on what is wrong with them. What is wrong with them?   

If you decide to repair, you could probably get some from ebay or a junkyard as an alternative to new ones.

[VA_YJ]

Another option, get rid of the hinges by installing a drop tailgate kit (like a pickup truck).  SWAG Offroad has a kit for $80 that uses a CJ tailgate or $180 that uses your TJ tailgate.  You can eat your lunch or drink beer while sitting on the tailgate! 

http://www.swagoffroad.com/

[Wheezer]

If you decide to replace your hinges, you might try Wholesalemopar.com.

Wheezer

[JohnnyO]

I had ours replaced when I had it painted.  They were very stiff and it took a lot of effort to open the tailgate.  The body shop said that happens to a lot of them and the only option is to replace.  Made sense to me because a bunch of WD-40 hadn't helped.  I got a pair of stainless steel units from 4WD Hardware for about $160 IIRC.  Probably cheaper than an OE set.



They have black powder-coated too.

[aka-justin]

Another option, get rid of the hinges by installing a drop tailgate kit (like a pickup truck).  SWAG Offroad has a kit for $80 that uses a CJ tailgate or $180 that uses your TJ tailgate.  You can eat your lunch or drink beer while sitting on the tailgate! 

http://www.swagoffroad.com/

I really like that kit; awesome find!