Feb 144 min read

"How to Install Jeep Wrangler Mopar Tailgate Reinforcement in 11 Easy Steps"

Updated: Nov 23

Installing Bigger Tires? Install The Jeep Wrangler Tailgate Reinforcement

First modification new Jeeps often get are larger tires. The second mod should be installing Jeep tailgate reinforcement to hold the larger spare. New tires will most likely be heavier. Stock tailgates are pretty stout but reinforcement makes it bombproof. Easy common sense mod that makes your Jeep more durable.

Jump ahead to a list of the 11 steps.

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What Kind Of Jeep Am I Installing This On?

This is my 2020 Wrangler Willys Ecodiesel. I have it set up for Overlanding and tow a off-road trailer with it. See the Jeep build Blog Post and video here.

Black Main Body of the Mopar Tailgate Reinforcement kit that will be bolted over top of existing tailgate hinge on the Jeep Wrangler. — Mopar Tailgate Main Body

Made In USA Engineered By Mopar | High Quality Cast Aluminum

sticker from package tailgate reinforcement came in. In containse the part number and a qr code, says made in USA and a date of 2021/1011. — Reinforcement Part # US Made

The tailgate is reinforced by bolting the Mopar Tailgate Reinforcement Main Body over top of the existing Wrangler Hinge. This part fits Wrangler JL and the part # is 8221 5356 AB -001. Kit contains hardware and instructions to complete the installation. Also new rubber bumper stabilizers. I did not need them.

Here Are A Few Pictures Of The Installation

These pictures are a condensed version of the install. I will leave a more detailed list at the bottom. You can also refer to my video.

Jeep Wrangler Tailgate with rough country spare tire relocation bracket. — Wrangler With Rough Country Spare Relocation Bracket That I Removed

I Had Installed A Rough Country Spare Tire Relocation Bracket

My installation was slightly different because I previously had to relocate my spare. That allowed me to open the tailgate when my EXventure XV-3 was hooked up. I removed that part and set it aside. I would not need it anymore.

Tire Carrier And Spare Relocation Bracket Removed

Behind the spare tire relocation bracket I found a lot of debris like leaves. I removed the Tire Carrier and hung it out of the way.

Lines Help In Checking Tailgate Alignment | Shims And Tape Hold It In Place

To make sure you get the tailgate properly positioned later its good to draw lines, add shims and tape before removing any bolts from the tailgate.

Removing bolts from tailgate hinge so the new tailgate reinforcement can be bolted on over it. — Removing Bolts From Hinge

Removing Bolts From The Tailgate Hinges

Now it is time to remove the bolts. I had to use a rubber mallet to drive my Torx Bit into the bolts because of the layers of paint. Then I used a ratchet to braek them loose. After that I was able to use the impact motor.

Using a drill motor to install bolts that hold the new main tailgate reinforcement in place on the Jeep Wrangler Tailgate — Installing The New Main Tailgate Reinforcement

Tailgate Reinforcement Main Body Bolts Over Existing Hinge

Pretty simple system. Tailgate reinforcement simply bolts over the existing hinge. I had some concerns that the actually hinges are not reinforced. I can only figure the engineers at Mopar have this worked out. I used the lines I had drawn to verify tailgate was properly aligned to prevent issues opening and closing it. Then I tightened the bolts and torqued them.

Tailgate Reinforcement is installed and spare tire carrier put back on. Now tailgate is ready to have spare tire put back. — Spare Tire Carrier Reinstalled

Reinstall The Spare Tire Carrier | Adjust 3rd Brake Light If Needed

The Tire Carrier gets reinstalled. If you have a larger tire like I did you may have to move the 3rd brake light up. It has holes in it for doing that..

man lifting spare tire on to back of Jeep Wrangler. — Putting The Spare Tire Back On The Jeep

Reinstall The Spare Tire! Congratulations Your Tailgate Is Reinforced

Now you can confidently open and close your tailgate without worrying that the weight of the tire will sag your tailgate. I thinks its a good upgrade for the Wrangler.

List Of Steps Involved In This Install

Remove Spare Tire
Remove Tire Carrier (tie out of the way)
Mark Tailgate Position With Pencil
Add Shims and Blue Painters Tape To Hold Tailgate In Position
Remove 4 Bolts From Tailgate Hinge
Install Reinforcement Main Body Over Hinge
Re-Install Tire Carrier
Check Tailgate Alignment With Pencil Marks
Torque Bolts In Tailgate
Install Rubber Bumper Stabilizers
Put Your Spare Back On

Jeep Wrangler tailgate open with tailgate table in place. — Tailgate Table Is One Of Our Favorite Additions To The Jeep

Tailgate Table Is One My Favorite Mods

Now that your tailgate is reinforced install a tailgate table. This is so great when you stop to have lunch or even if your working on your Jeep. It can hold your lunch of some tools. Here is a link to purchase on Amazon.

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