I started searching around for this tool, after 89LS1FOXER mentioned it. None of the local tool/hardware places had it, so I started hitting up all my body shop contacts & dealership contacts. How the hell can NOBODY have one of these?? I may order a few of them, and sell them for a profit.....

 

Well, I made it happen. Not exactly the right way of doing it, and it wasn't easy, but I got it done with less than $5 of hardware from the local hardware store.

For the sake of reference, the thread pitch for the nuts and bolts is 6mm x 1.0.

For the 2 outside inserts, I decided to remove the tailgate latches and hold the nut insert with a wrench. You'll need an 8mm wrench for this, and a long one makes it easier. Hold the nut insert in place, and crank down the bolt from the outside until it crushes.



This is what the inserts looked like after crushing.


So the 2 center ones aren't so easy to get to with a wrench. I decided to try making a puller. I bought a 6mm x 1.0 bolt just under 2 inches long, and a nut, and a steel sleeve.


Assemble it like the pic above, put some antiseize between the sleeve and the nut, but NOT between the insert and the sleeve. I wanted the sleeve to NOT SPIN, just press against the insert.

Screw the assembly into the insert, then spin the nut against the sleeve while holding the bolt with another wrench. It worked!

Here's a couple pics of the final product.

 

Nice solution bro.

Newer style spoiler too huh, looks great!

Really like that truck, how do you like haveing a Dmax so far?

Those Lb7's sound like a big block chevy dont they? !!!!!

 

It took you that long to figure it out. Jeeze, put down the beer brotha. Glad you got it figured out.

 

That newer style cap costs a little more, but I like the look alot better. I may get the newer style tail lights eventually as well. And some Esky handles for the front doors.

I'm starting to like the truck. With the cap on it, it rides REALLY NICE. And I feel like it's now a respectable looking truck, after removing all that crap. BUT....... I still haven't had/made the time to diagnose that P0093. So I really haven't driven it very much, maybe 150 miles?

Put down the beer?!?! Probably not gonna happen....

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Roger,

Here is a couple pics of the GM tool.





You install the tailgate cap hex nut loose in the tailgate (notice the soft rubber on both ends of the tailgate cap hex nut, this will be crush around both the inside and outside of the tail gate sheet metal), then install the threaded bolt with jam nut all the way until its hand tight, (see pics for tool), while holding the jam nut, "Tighten" the bolt, the tailgate bed cap hex nut will crush around the hex fitting in the tailgate (notice the tailgate cap hex nut will spin a few times, the rubber will keep from scraching the paint, then as the nut starts to crush it will stop spinning and allow it seat correctly).

There is no need to open the tail up to access the hex nuts from behind/inside the tailgate (unless replacing the hex nuts,or if its been over tightened, also you can remove the tailgate handle to gain access to the center tailgate hex nuts.

Warning do not over tighen just enough to crush it!!!

Making the tool your self seemed like the best option, I see you already have it installed but maybe this will help future members, good write up sir.