Mine bent right in the middle (loaded snowmachene, and yes, we used wide ramps). There were no crease, but the gate itself was "bowl"-shaped. After I took off black plastic trim on the top edge, I found that TOP lip was cracked. I bet if you take off your trim piece, you'll find the same crack. It radiated from the square holes where the trim snaps into, to the outside edge.

 

Well I just looked at it again. The trim piece up top is slightly bowed out. I noticed the bowl shape of the tailgate on the passenger side after I noticed the trim piece being bowed out. It's not noticable unless you look at it on the right angle.

I've had enough hassle with my service manager, I can just imagine how much I'm going to have to fight to get them to get this done. Either way my tail gate's getting repaired. Either by the TSB or UHaul's insurance. I'd rather the TSB get done. If it bent out that easily I can't imagine what's going to happen when I start using my truck more frequently to haul parts and stuff around now that I have a dedicated trail rig. I'd hate to see what would happen if I loaded up my spare 22RE in the back of my truck.

 

my spare 22RE in the back of my truck.

Outstanding engine! I'm doing an oil pan swap on the one in my Celica maybe tonight if UPS drops off the new pan early enough.

 

Get a Gater Saver. Well worth the money. Seth might have some left over from his last build.

 

Get a Gater Saver. Well worth the money. Seth might have some left over from his last build.

I would but I'm currently only dumping money into my 4Runner. I want it up and wheelable by Takeover in July. 3-day weekend of wheeling.

 

I'm not following - why is the damaged tailgate UHaul's problem?
I get (and recommend) the tailgate TSB, but how is UHaul liable for damage to your tailgate because the tailgate bent when your buddy stood on it?

 

Looks like a separate incident:

I'm asking because I was originally going to take my truck to the dealer to have their bodyshop give me an estimate for Uhaul because of the incident I had with the tow dolly.

 

Does this TSB pertain to 2008 models?

 

I had my tailgate replaced per the TSB. Though it seemed heavier to open and close, after I removed the liner to put on a tailgate lock I must say that the braces look very wimpy and it probably will bend again. :thumbdown A fork lift bent mine when it lowered a strap of bricks into the bed. It made the tailgate have a half moon shape from the inside, but no visable damage from the outside. Hope this helps.

 

Well I took it into the dealer today. Unfortunately for me, they, the body shop guys, need to talk it over with corporate Toyota due to the other damage to the tail gate. I told the guy, that per the TSB, the entire tail gate gets replaced.

He said "I see, but, I still have to check since this is the first one I'm doing". It sounds like they're going to do the work under warranty but want to get the "OK" from Toyota before they proceed any further.

Seth:

I sent you an email. And for some reason, Outlook auto corrected Rodge to Ridge. :lol: