Tailgate will not open.
#1
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Tailgate will not open.
All of a sudden the tailgate will not open! What causes this? Is there a special bit to get those screws off to get to the latch mechanism? I there any secret to getting it open if the handle is not opening it, this side of using a Blow Torch?
This really is inconvenient. Working on my basement and had to lift 12 ft. sheetrock over it.
This really is inconvenient. Working on my basement and had to lift 12 ft. sheetrock over it.
#3
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For the older model years, the screws are Torx - need special bits, available at most any parts store.
One problem is that the rods which connect the latch in the center to the catches at the side will come loose. You might be able to pull up on the latch and to feel up around to see if anything is loose or is rattling around.
One problem is that the rods which connect the latch in the center to the catches at the side will come loose. You might be able to pull up on the latch and to feel up around to see if anything is loose or is rattling around.
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It is an 87.
If yours is the newer truck body and you look real close at the tail gate.... see were it says FORD? It should have an oval around it. That's your problem right there!! At least Ford was smart enough to circle the problem for you.
If you had bought a Chevy you wouldn't be having this kind of trouble.
If you had bought a Chevy you wouldn't be having this kind of trouble.
Oh and thanks to wde3477 for the advice.
Last edited by jarnold; 07-31-2008 at 11:06 AM.
#9
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Torx?
For the older model years, the screws are Torx - need special bits, available at most any parts store.
One problem is that the rods which connect the latch in the center to the catches at the side will come loose. You might be able to pull up on the latch and to feel up around to see if anything is loose or is rattling around.
One problem is that the rods which connect the latch in the center to the catches at the side will come loose. You might be able to pull up on the latch and to feel up around to see if anything is loose or is rattling around.
#10
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Once you get that panel off, you will see two rods coming into the latch mechanism, and I think they are tied to it by two (one for each rod) plastic nuts. one or both may have broken, they may simply need to be adjusted. However you can use a set of vise grips to pull the rods in to get the tailgate open. I know you'll figure out what's wrong as soon as you get in there. I hope this will help you get the gate open at least until you get plenty of time to repair it!!! If you need anyhting further please don't hesitate to ask!! I'll be glad to go into it further if you need me to!!
"Captainwaifers" I don't see the humor, AT ALL, with saying that the problem is because it's a Ford. Chevrolet, however, IS a joke, so please take that talk elswhere. NOTE: I said please.
"Captainwaifers" I don't see the humor, AT ALL, with saying that the problem is because it's a Ford. Chevrolet, however, IS a joke, so please take that talk elswhere. NOTE: I said please.