Tailgate hitting bumper. Need suggestions

[RockinT]

My aftermarket (ranch hand style) rear bumper broke the welds and came loose towing a trailer last year. It had always had a lean to it that drove me crazy and made it hard to unhitch two of my trailers. When we welded it back on we leveled it which made it look correct and easier to unhitch.

However, I quickly realized the reason the original installers had angled it was because the tailgate was hitting the top of the bumper. I ended up with dings and a diamond plate design across the length of the paint.

My new '10 bumper is almost ready for install. However, I don't know what to do about the clearance issue. I'm worried about weakening my frame by yet again grinding the welds and welding it back up. Again having an angled bumper and hard unhitching.

Should I be ok just grinding and welding it again? Or any other ideas?

[cowens726]

I'm personally not a big fan welding to frames to begin with, but I don't believe our truck frames are heat treated so there shouldnt be any problems welding and grinding on it. Just don't get carried away when you're doing it by applying to much heat in one area at a time. Switch from side to side, jump around, like when welding sheet metal to avoid warping you should be ok.

[RockinT]

Well, turns out the new tailgate is thinner than the original. Body man installed the new one just to see how much angle would be needed. It has just under half inch of clearance. Even let it drop on its on weight, no rub, scratch or dents.

Problem eliminated.