Tailgate issue...

[Big Rob]

As most of you are aware, I have a habit of driving around everywhere with the top tailgate up. I did it as a kid and haven't grown up and any passenger that complains gets a stare in reply. So the tailgate stays up, NO ARGUMENT!

But.... My tailgate has been rattling a lot lately and I got a couple of minutes to search for the problem yesterday.

It appears that the left hand tab that the strut bolts to has broken the spot welds inside the shell. I'm sure I'm not the 1st to have this happen, but I don't see a solution except to run a small bead of weld along the edge of the tab to secure it.

The rattling is driving me crazy and I guess the load is now on the right hand tab, so it will soon suffer the same fate.

I intend replacing the tailgate eventually before I repaint (if I can find a good one), but need a quick fix.

Am I on the right track with the weld idea?

Anyone?

[Valencia]

As much as i know they are not original if you drive with your tailgate up a lot
as i did i converted mine to gas struts best thing i ever did no more rattles going over bumps

[Innuendo]

Drill a hole through and weld it up.

[Big Rob]

Drill a hole through and weld it up.

Yeah, that'll work. Thanks!

And Valencia, I thought about gas struts until I saw a van going down the road with the tailgate flopping up and down like it was waving or something!
Do you notice this, or did the van I saw have weak struts?

My struts are pretty worn too, but I don't think anyone does them new (Rares?) so gas may be the answer.

[Valencia]

I used ones from an xd bonnet struct no flapping at all on mine very strong

[Big Rob]

Cool. I'm ordering a set tomorrow.

Easy enough to fit?

[Valencia]

Yeah you need to buy some ball bolts with thread for the struts to clips into 4 needed of course

[Big Rob]

Yeah, I assumed so. I should be able to get them with the struts.
I'm liking this idea the more I think about it.
I'll weld the tab tomorrow and go from there.