Apparently, Dudelittle has the same frustration as the rest of us. Difference is, He also has access to some Aluminum, and a milling machine. He has built a prototype bushing, and refined it a few times, and was kind enough to send me a duplicate to install and review. Look at this Beauty:

 

I would love to test one

 

 

That's cool. I'd definitely be interested.

 

The craftsmanship on it is top notch, no doubt. Quite a bit better than what I accomplished for sure. It fit effortlessly onto my old hinge with just the slightest amount of play. If I had one initial concern, it would be that the cam that it slides onto
may eventually wear the edges of the bushing, and cause it to fail. That being said, I can say that it will be 1000 times Improvement over the original plastic piece, and likely last far, far longer than the original as well. My intention is to place a shot of silicone inside the bushing before I place it on the cam, it may well take that slight bit of play out, and cushion
it from beating up the aluminum, But thats REALLY splitting hairs.
I hope to install it this weekend, and can give an update on how it all goes together, as well as how the gate feels going through the motions.
My initial reaction.... Fantastic job. If it works as well as I believe it will, every Titan owner in here should be in your ear for one, perhaps 2 just in case of emergency!
Stay tuned

 

I can tighten up the inside of the bushing some, not much, I found it difficult to fully close the tailgate when it was almost press fit close.

 

 

I can agree with that. My metal one was very tight going in, and I noticed the gate gets very tight just prior to latching. I never put 2+2 together until you just mentioned it.

 

I believe the plastic one fits tighter to the cam and the flat sides “rock” inside the tailgate cup.

 

That looks nice

 

One difference you may take note of is that the aluminum bushing does not have the "stop lever" on the side like the OEM plastic one. Not to worry. Its an unnecessary piece. The tailgate rests on the cables when its lowered, like pretty much every other truck Ive ever seen.
I can't say for certain, because I never bothered to look, but I think that piece may be leading to the early failure on the plastic models. I'm spitballing here, but I feel that when weight is added to the tailgate when it is lowered, it is stressing that plastic "stop lever" on the tabs sticking out of the hinge itself.
Whatever the reason may be, I'll never put a plastic one back on my truck. ever.

 

maybe next time someone gets a replacement plastic piece, or they are working on their tailgate, they can remove that little stop?

 

Installed my New Aluminum bushing today. Fit perfectly, tailgate functions as it should. I'm stoked.....

 

How do I get one?

 

How are the gaps from side to side when it’s closed?

 

Just a quick update.. Still functioning properly, and no issues whatsoever...Thanks a ton, Zach. Every time I use that tailgate, My blood pressure drops a little!

Anyone know how to get ahold of dudelittle since he has been banned

 

Side to Side is about as good as you can get.....

 

 

I’d say less than 1/16”. 👍🏼
Also, your tape measure is upside down 😉

 

so its less than 16/1 then??

 

Sign me up! The original plastic piece is junk. Been hoping to find something like this.

 

 

Well, The Bushing is doing its job. No problems with it thus far. Last week I helped my son in law with a ton of bagged coal, and was stacking them 10 high on the tailgate while unloading.... All that extra weight and no cracked plastic junk bushing.
I think theres going to be a waiting list for these things is Dudelittle decides to go into production. Lol

 

 

Just a quick update.. Still functioning properly, and no issues whatsoever...Thanks a ton, Zach. Every time I use that tailgate, My blood pressure drops a little!

 

I have many more available if anyone else needs one

 

Got mine. It’s a well made piece. I included pics of the new hinge parts so you can see fitment. Looks good. Also my old messed up hinge currently in use. Going to live with it messed up for a while longer since I have a new tailgate that needs painting and assembly before I install it. May take a while to get to that. But I’ll be ready with all the parts when the time comes.

 

i wonder if the second gen has the same piece. i need to look the next time i use my truck.

 

How funny you ask this is for a 2017. Nissan said they are on national back order P#93470-9FV2A
I tried to take of the plastic but its on there pretty good.

 

$40

 

So I will have to get two sometime, than. I will have to get one for my truck and for my dad's

 

This is cool! I just replaced mine today and will reach out when it breaks again!

 

Does this need replaced on the 2021 too? If so I may get one too.

 

I don’t know the design of the ‘21. I don’t have access to one.