Remove tailgate from 2004 prerunner

I need to take the tailgate off my 2004 prerunner. I am not sure which bolts to loosen, the single pivot bolt attached to the base of the frame at the two corners, or remove the screws and bolts that hold the tailgate to the brackets at the bottom

 

The first picture. The big 14mm. On both sides.

 

The bottom one in your first picture.

You'll need to lift up the tailgate slightly so you can pull it out of its groove for removal.

 

Thanks! So, can I get back inside the frame if there is a nut or lock washer or something similar that comes loose when I pull that bolt out?

 

Nothing but a bushing on the tailgate itself

 

Thanks!

 

Removing the tailgate is literally a 5 minute job.

Just take note of the last pic I posted as you can see how you need to "guide" the tailgate through the small channel to get it out.

 

Done and done. It was complicated by the fact that the tailgate was damaged by backing up into a telephone pole, and, whew, the bent metal made it hard to get the ratchet to seat.

 

Anyone have a recommendation for a replacement for the tailgate? Is there a cargo net (is that the right vocabulary) that will keep my stuff from bouncing out on my Sandy Daufuskie back roads at only 15 miles per hour? Would you use Bully or ProNet or?

 

Craigslist

Sold mine for $50, so I'm sure you can score one for cheap.

 

You got a replacement tailgate for $50 or did you buy a cargo net?