tailgate gap?

[riz]

What is the correct tailgate gap / span so the tailgate fits propperly and doesn't bind or stick? If I remember correctly it was 67" ???? I replaced my rear floor and tailpan and I welded the rear panel sides as close to 90° as I could now it binds a bit. I think i may have to go back and adjust to the proper span. Thanks in advance.

RIZ

 

[max 02]

If a pickup truck is the same, I just measured mine and it is 67.25 opening at the bottom of the box.

Hope that helps.

 

[riz]

WOW! I guess my memory isn't shot quite yet. Thanks. I'm assuming it would be the same for a truck???? Can anybody verify?

RIZ

 

[max 02]

Do you got a blazer/jimmy or a truck?

I got the measurement of my 77 truck.

 

[riz]

I have a 82 K5 Blazer.

RIZ

 

[tRustyK5]

My 90 says 67 1/8" at the top, bottom is tighter by a hair. I'd aim for a 1/8" gap on either side of the tailgate and you should be gold. My gate opens and closes pretty decently.

Rene

 

[super k]

I think pickups and K/5s should be the same since p/u tailgates can swap onto K/5s. What happened? Did you do a pinch weld?...Sorry...dumb,I know (sheesh).I'm going over hear now...

I pulled 67 1/4" at the top and 67 1/8" at then bottom on my Jimmy.

 

[riz]

I replaced the rear floor and tailpan with a factory GM replacement and I had the rear quarters bowed out to get the floor in there........ when I had it welded back up, we just put the sides as close to 90° as we could but now the tailgate binds/ sticks a little bit. We should have measured and kept the proper gap. It opens and closes but it's a bit tight and could be smoother.

RIZ

 

[super k]

I know it isn't much splay,but mine (and one other guy's),measures 1/8" wider at the top. Just a hunch but I think that may be how GM did it. I know my '85 is all original,still solid,never had the top off,and never "wheeled"...it's an old man's Jimmy,if you know what I mean.
I was just punnin' with the "pinch" weld comment (corny as that may have been)