Help! Tailgate closed on something - bent hinge points on body

[masospaghetti]

Previous owner closed the tailgate on an object and now the tailgate sits about 1/2" too high compared to the body. Measuring from the top of the tailgate to the top of the body.

I tried new hinges and a new tailgate and while they helped, it still sits too high.

I am not proficient at body work so any suggestions would be appreciated. Should I try and hammer on the hinges? the body, where the hinges mount?

Thanks all! It's a 96 model XLT V8.

 

[DjDom]

Sounds like they bent where the tailgate mounts.
I'm not a body shop guy, but contact Monmix on the forum. He's amazing with all body work. Take some pics, show him what you mean and he'll help you out.

 

[masospaghetti]

Awesome. I sent him a PM, thanks for the heads up.