Hey guys. I've been having trouble getting the tailgate to release using the handle so I checked the actuator-bar bushing/clips and both of those needed replacement, which I just did. Now however, the tailgate will still not release with the handle. I lubricated both the latches on either side and they now operate smoothly. The handle has a lot of free play movement (an inch or more) before it starts to disengage the latches and the handle hits the tailgate before it moves the latch enough to pull the latches on either side. Am I missing another bushing somewhere or something? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Maybe you got the LH and RH rods mixed up? They are different. I can't remember if it is possible to assemble them wrong? Also the drivers side latch attaches to the bottom of the handle and the passenger side to the top.

My latch moves until it touches the gate at the top. I then have to pull on the gate harder than I think I should have to in order to get it to open. I do have a bed liner on the gate that may be interfering some.