Not sure about the hinge to body aperture. I would say it is circular and fits the bolt, I don't recall a slot...... That said assuming both of mine are typical they are quite sloppy, it is only the pressure of the tailgate against the seal, or the the struts, pushing the tailgate away that stop it moving towards the car. I take it there is not enough side movement in the hinge to tailgate fixing? Mine were captive nuts, but not fixed in place so could move in all four directions (up down left right) for positioning. Maybe, remove the struts and see if it fits then work from there.