Dodge 2500 Tailgate binding

[linnemj]

We have a 2010 Dodge 2500 diesel truck. Recently, our tailgate has started binding as we open and close it. It makes a popping sound. It appears that one side’s rubber grommet has failed.

Any suggestions? Does the truck have to head to the dealer to be fixed?

We are leaving on a spring trip and want to get it repaired.

[Old-Biscuit]

4th Generation RAM Truck
IF you have a backup camera you will need to pull up/unplug the wiring connector (middle of tailgate at the bottom ---open tailgate fully then you can access the connector)

Then Unclip the cables on each side
Then Partially close tailgate to roughly 45* and lift up passengers side out of the 'U' channel then slide tailgate to remove from the drivers side mount
Replace the tailgate bushing and reinstall tailgate
Bushings roughly $25 for the set


CAUTION:
Tailgate is heavy/awkward so 2 PEOPLE

[tuffr2]

2010 with a back up camera? I did not know that was even a thing. In 2011 it was a thing but as early as 2010?

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

2010 with a back up camera? I did not know that was even a thing. In 2011 it was a thing but as early as 2010?

IF was a keyword........

IF yes....then
IF NO ....then

Simple

[tuffr2]

Yes, I saw the decision branch but wondered if it was really necessary.

Just trying to figure out when back up cameras made it into trucks.

[tuffr2]

If you carried stone or even firewood you just might have a stone or a piece of bark wedged in under the tailgate when closed. I helped my friend with a 2005 Ram 1500 get some stone and we had trouble cleaning out all the little stones so the tailgate would shut without binding.

[linnemj]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

4th Generation RAM Truck
IF you have a backup camera you will need to pull up/unplug the wiring connector (middle of tailgate at the bottom ---open tailgate fully then you can access the connector)

Then Unclip the cables on each side
Then Partially close tailgate to roughly 45* and lift up passengers side out of the 'U' channel then slide tailgate to remove from the drivers side mount
Replace the tailgate bushing and reinstall tailgate
Bushings roughly $25 for the set


CAUTION:
Tailgate is heavy/awkward so 2 PEOPLE

Thanks for the information! Is it difficult to replace the bushings? I am not very mechanically talented.

[travelorer99]

Originally Posted by linnemj

Thanks for the information! Is it difficult to replace the bushings? I am not very mechanically talented.

Like most anything today, just do an online search and someone has posted how to and or a vid of doing it.
If you don't have a locking tailgate, you wont have a wire/s to unplug/disconnect. I have a locking tailgate on my 2015 so it has a wire that needs to unplug and a dummy plug in the glove box to cap the connector end.
I also agree with the check for rock/s and or wood chip/s, but if you can move the one side or other, then its best to replace the worn part, and all parts at the same time.
I would highly recommend checking the crimps on the wires/cables, and cables after 11 years. Some metals, like the stainless cable and the crimped on ends will caroad over time.
It would really be a bad day to drop tail gate, and it really dropped to bumper, denting it. If you were my camping neighbor, I would gladly do it for you. Its hard to be good at everything, that's why its nice to have diversified friends. Best of luck.

[Old-Biscuit]

Harder to get Old ones OUT then to install the New ones

Autozone, O-Reilly's, Kragen, NAPA etc should have them and of course any Dodge Dealership Parts Dept.

MOPAR Part Numbers 55276076AD & 55270677AC
$25 or so

[linnemj]

Thank you very much for your assistance! I really appreciate the photos and part numbers very much!