Releasing Spring Tension on tailgate spring

Just got a call from Flash Gumby. Someone rear ended him and smacked in his tailgate. He says thats the only part damaged as the bumper of the other car rode over top of his bumper.

Guy took off too, but they got the plate number. Anyway we had already planned a yard run and there was a white woody there last time he went. If we find a nice tailgate we will pull it. When I pulled the last one, I almost lost my nuts to the spring when I released it under tension and it shot about 50ft down the side of a building denting the side of the steel structure.

We don't want that to happen again. Just did a quick search and no luck, I know it's been discussed here before.

thanks

You can unbolt it in the door open position, and it is not under tension.

^^ Yes. I almost did the same thing as you my first time Sprocket. Unbolted it with the gate open...that is a fail. DOOR OPEN! Wised up the 2ond and 3rd time. hahaaa

Thanks! Hoping that wagon is still there. Leaving now.....

I guess everything worked out. We have not heard anything. No missing fingers etc.

Well...his voice sounded a couple octaves higher when I talked to him....

Maybe he will reply in pink letters.