Tailgate Lift Assist Help

2012 Double Cab

I got a tailgate lift assist, which by the instructions are super simple to install. I was good to go until the last step; taking off the tailgate bolt. I cannot seem to get it off for love or money. It looks like it's either serrated or tack welded on. I've included two pictures. Has anyone else come across this problem? If so, how the hell did you get that off?! Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Yes happened to me... Let me find the thread

 

Long story short I stripped mine and then had to drill it out. Found a tapered bolt that fit and put a nut and lock washer on it on the inside of the tailgate. Was a pain in the dick!

 

I put one on my gate too. I had to 'shock' the bolt to break the bond by hammering the torx bit into the bolt a few times.... It loosened normally after that.

Make sure you use the correct size torx bit, some can seem to fit well, but can be one size smaller than required.