Rubber Tailgate Bumpers, Purpose?

[cruiserkreutz]

I'm debating about putting the rubber tailgate bumpers back on my 1967 FJ45 long bed. The body shop filled the holes, and I'm not too excited about drilling new ones. I cut down the newer style OEM rubber bumpers to match the size of my old worn out original one that I had. I don't see what their purpose is. In the original mounting location they don't even come close to the tailgate when down, which is what I would think they are for. What am I missing?

 

[1969FJ]

I have a 1965 LWB and those rubber stops are there to keep the tailgate from flying down if the chains for some reason are not in place. Take a look at this pic.

 

[whitey45]

Yes, it’s if you want to lower the tailgate with the chains unhooked.

 

[cruiserkreutz]

I have a 1965 LWB and those rubber stops are there to keep the tailgate from flying down if the chains for some reason are not in place. Take a look at this pic.

View attachment 2577788

That makes sense, thanks!

 

[redfj45can]

Never had those rubbers (gimmicks ) on the Can and see no need for them.
Never mounted chains because the noise they make during driving ..the purpose of the chains is when you drive with a longer load than the bed area is.
If you take care the tailgate never flly down....
...to complete my answer. Before I bought the 45 (came without chains)...the RED was a fire truck and they never saw a need for those rubbers too.

 

[redfj45can]

If you want to use those rubber stops I wouldn`t drill holes ...would glue them on.

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