It seems that some unnamed foreign companies have stolen my design, mass produced it, and started selling it on ebay and online, undercutting my pricing. They even steal my security tip of placing a hose clamp around the right hinge. There is a reason why we are fighting tariffs. They steal our intellectual property, make it with cheap materials and cheap labor, then resell it as a "competitor."

Is your tailgate rattling? Tighten it up with these 3d printed tailgate bushings. I made these for my 2002 Tundra and thought that others might be interested in getting a set. These are not available from Toyota or any aftermarket manufacturer because the original bushing is riveted in place and not meant to be serviceable. These replacements work amazing! Along with some new 3d printed rubber tailgate bumpers, my tailgate is tight and no longer rattles at all. Another thing these bushings fixed was the tailgate not opening because at least one of the latches was not releasing fully when you pull the release handle. Apparently, the bushings were so loose, the release rods were not able to fully release the latches when you pull the handle. Now, the tailgate doesn't rattle and the handle fully releases the latches again when I open the tailgate. Awesome!

These were made to fit the following vehicle(s):
  • 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra
PARTS INCLUDED:
  • Two (2) plastic tailgate bushings (Black/Red/White)

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. Remove tailgate. This is done by removing the straps, then lifting the tailgate about 45 degrees, then pulling the right side up and out of the hinge. Now the left hinge can slide out of the hinge. 
  2. Drill out the rivets holding the old plastic bushings in place.
  3. Drill out the rivet hole slightly larger to fit a #8 bolt. I used a 5/32 or 11/64 or similar drill bit.
  4. Liberally grease up the bushings and install. Note the flat spots and alignment nubs in the bushing that match up with the flat spots and holes in the tailgate hinge. They also fit tight, so it may require some gentle persuasion. i.e. rubber mallet.
  5. Install #8 bolt with some threadlocker to hold the bushing in place.
  6. Reinstall tailgate. Enjoy the quiet.
  7. BONUS TIP: Prevent your tailgate from getting stolen by putting a hose clamp around the right hinge.
I have transitioned to making all of these in PETG (red, black, and white). I have had some requests for this to be made in nylon (PA). It is a very expensive material and difficult to print and post-process, so I will make this available in nylon in a separate auction for those who are willing to pay more for a more durable material (but less UV resistant than PETG). See eBay item number:116663604289.
 
CUSTOM WORK: I own a 1st gen Tundra. If you can think of any parts I can design and 3d print to keep our trucks running, please send me a message. I do this for fun and make parts that are no longer available or difficult to source. Check out my other auctions for 1st Gen Tundra parts that are custom or no longer available: e.g. Refillable Cabin Air Filter (#116617077143).