tailgate hinge/trunnion question

djgj200 · July 22, 2006

One of the hinges and trunnions (I think that's what they are called) basically are rotted out and was looking into replacing them myself. When I toyed around with it today to see what I would be dealing with I tried to take them off but it seems like there is something holding it on, more than the bolts. Were they glued on or something or is it the paint holding it to the tailgate and body. I didn't want to try to pry them off and end up regretting it.

rjirvine · July 22, 2006

On my 97 K1500 the "trunnions" were each held on by 2 bolts. There is a nutplate behind each one. There is a pin on the trunnion that fits into a hole in the bed, kind of like a transmission bell housing guide pin. If you have the bolts removed, that pin is the only thing holding it. It's tapered, so the whole thing "should" just pull out. Hope this helps.

djgj200 · July 22, 2006

So I would have to pry it out? Both the hinges and the trunnions are on there pretty tight without the bolts.

Would that pin be with the new trunnions if I were to order some new ones?

rjirvine · July 23, 2006

Can you try a rubber mallet and tap on them to break the paint eand gunk free? You won't get much buging because of that pin. The the new one wiil have the pin, it's all one piece.

rjirvine · July 23, 2006

I was looking on Ebay to find a hinge picture to see what yours looks like, no luck. Mine had the round circle part in the middle and the base was flat with an oval shape with a bolt hole at the top and bottom and the pin comes out of the middle opposite the circle part. If I remember correctly it was about 1/2" long.

djgj200 · July 23, 2006

To give you an idea of what I would need, go to the link below.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cd/0027.html

I am looking at parts 18 and 22 in the fleetside section. I don't think I need new bolts, I can just use the one's I got already, they are fine. I think I can see the pin you are talking about on the trunnion.