I can open the tailgate about 45 degrees and lift the right side off the hinge, but I can't get the left side to come off. The left side doesn't have a slot like the right side, so it looks like I have to pull the tailgate to the right after I disengage the right side. No dice--I can't get the left side to move more than about 1/8" to the right. The tailgate opens and closes perfectly without any squeaks or rattles. I tried spraying some lubricant into the hinge, but it didn't help at all. Any ideas?

 

you should be able to just pull the left side off like you explained, mine does just fine

 

unhook the cables,pull it out of the slot an keep rotating on the corner and it will come off

 

Tried that already, until my arms ached. I think I need to find a gorilla for hire.

 

no just take a dead blow hammer and try to tap the gate out, progressively tapping harder till it comes out, but if you feel you are going to dent the side STOP.

oh wow i just realized how funny that sounds

 

I would rotate it as you're pulling it out. Maybe some prior owner was worried that someone would steal it, and put a retaining pin in the hinge?

 

good point, i always lock mine when i get ready to go to school, several shady people that need a tailgate from that year range, but if it didnt have a lock than yea the prev owner might of put a pin in, or something else creative