I have a 95 Ram 1500 4x4 with 5.2l in it. In general terms these trucks are the same from 94-01 but it turns out the 94 and 95 models have a different tailgate hinge system. There must have been a bushing in it because the tailgate rattles around and only works if you lift up on it before opening or closing.
So far I cannot figure out where to buy a bushing from and wonder if someone would know about available bushings or if I can replace the entire hinge mechanisms with a new model? I tried the Dorman kit for the 96+ because I thought it may work anyway but it is nowhere close, far larger diameter and sort of a different design. I went to Dodge and they said the parts were discontinued. I need this to work so maybe I will need to get creative.
Thoughts? Thanks!

 

Looked at the parts catalog and it's a mess, they really changed the tailgate in March/April '95. Doesn't look like you could use a newer hinge because so many parts changed. The bushings are just simple plastic stuff so I would spend some time in a good hardware store (ACE or similar, not Home Depot or Lowes) and see what they have in the loose hardware section with the hundreds of drawers. I found all sorts of bits and pieces to fix stuff there over the years. Might need some "massaging" of course, MacGyver style.

If you can post a pic maybe the collective brains can come up with an idea.

 

Maybe cut a strip out of a plastic bucket and use it for a bushing.

 

...or have someone with a 3D printer make some of the needed plastic parts for you.

 

A little late, but anytime I ned a plastic bushing that I can not find, I always go for white pvc plumbing pipe. Lots of different sizes and thickness.