Matador

well, finally installed the Tailgate reinforcement kit....the spot welded nuts took a little work to get off....nothing a Grade 8 bolt and a hammer couldnt take care of. The install took me about an hour. I am glad I pulled the trigger on it....the nuts that were holding on my heavy spare tire were not very big. Now I am good to go until I purchase a new rear bumper and tire carrier.

tymonster

Just installed this kit today. If I didn't use this advice I'dve been making a trip to the hardware store after the 2nd bolt. DEFINITELY GET SOME EXTRA. I can't imagine you can do this with your hands, I used a hammer. It was a lot easier than I was expecting based on some of the reviews, but I bent 5 or 6 bolts in the process.

Once I thread the nut (just turned it a few times... not too tight), I used a dish towel... wrapped it around the bolt a few times to absorb some of the force and to avoid metal on metal... then a few solid whacks with a hammer from a couple different angles. Weld nuts cracked easily and it was a piece of cake after that.

Happy with the $28 kit. Seems more sturdy than before and hoping I won't have to throw on a new tire carrier any time soon. I have 35's on a 17" wheel. Tires alone weight 69lbs. Much more confident that it's not going anywhere now.