Tailgate issue

2018 Tacoma limited

I recently got something jammed in my tailgate hinge. It cracked the bushing on the passenger side hinge of the tailgate. This is now causing the slow close tailgate to drop fast and hard.

I’ve read through the forums regarding the tailgate hinge bushing on the 2016 GEN 3s. I understand that there’s a real nice aftermarket one available but I can’t find anything for the 2018 model. I’ve checked with parts departments and it looks like you have to buy the whole hinge assembly which is part number 6728904010.

thoughts?

 

Can you post a picture of the crack/what exactly it is? Worst case scenario Toyotapartsdeal.com is $72 for that part.

 

The bushing part number is

$9 66143-04021 MOTOKU 2Pcs Rear Tailgate Hinge Bushing Grommet for Toyota Tacoma 2017-2023

66143-04021. It's about $6.00.

There were/are some guys offering 3D printed versions of the bushing that supposedly hold up better. I only have a link to one that fits 2015/16 models.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-tacoma-tailgate-replacment-bushing-66143-04020.452351/

I think this is what you are referring too maybe?

 

That's the one.

 

My 2018 Tacoma's tailgate soft open just stopped working. I ordered the new plastic bushing and when I went to install it the part didn't fit correctly as you can see from the photo the bracket bent downward. The dealership charges were $620.00 to make the repair. The vehicle was just out of warranty by 4 months and a very helpful service manager suggested that I contact Toyota directly. I did that and because this seems to be an ongoing problem with the Tacoma's tailgate they covered all of the costs to repair it. The new bracket is not welded on.