Just bought my second Jeep, 98 TJ. The tailgate is almost impossible to open. Hinges are slightly rusted. Is there a way to remove these hinges and repair this issue or do I need to purchase replacement ones. Thanks in advance for your help.
'98 TJ (stock for now)
Naples, FL

This may sound crazy but did you try lubing them? Also I just took the bolts out of mine to start mounting a new tire carrier and First I stripped the torx head in 3 of the 8 on my 98 tj hinges but when I put in new bolts (I had to quit part way and re-assemble the tailgate) I realigned the hinges and mine closes real easy now (it was tough before I started). So maybe the tailgate may just need the bolts losened and tightened after realigning. Just a thought.