My tail gate is not closing properly on the right side...it only latches if I slam it closed and then it opens very difficultly. It seems like the tailgate is shifted toward the driver side and it also seems like the passenger side the bottom of it is shifted out....


is there anyway to adjust the tailgate at all ? if so.. how.. any pics ??

my truck is a 1998 f-150 super-cab



Thanks


Shaun

 

Dont quote me, but I dont think there is any adjustments. Sounds to me like you got a handle thats binding. Check out your pivot points though, something could be off a little bit

 

is there any way to move the pivots around ?

 

when open does it "swing" smoothly? like in the range of motion in between being completely open & shut? maybe it shifted in the slot like if you were taking it off?

 

yes it swings smoothly

 

i had a problem where i could shut it fine but i couldnt open it worth a damn without a struggle so i took some wd40 and sprayed inside the tailgate where the latch catch is and now it opens up slicker than ****. dont know if thats your problem

 

na thats not it... it seems more like the tailgate is warped like or the box is warped and the left side is good but the right side is just not able to close far enough unless slammed

 

Check the pivot inserts at the base of the tail gate. They are made of plastic and will crack and break into pieces after time. I had a similar problem and replaced the right side pivot for less than $6.00. Fixed it right up. The left side usually doesnt wear out but I greased it when I replaced the right side.

To remove the tail gate and replace the plastic insert; open the tail gate to about 45 degrees and pull it out.

Hope this helps.

 

will try tomorrow...


thanks for the help



shaun

 

Lube all of the moving parts like the pivot points and the latch with a heavy lubricant such as chain bar oil. You say this is not the problem, but it is a dealer recommended service item and you should do it anyway. Do indeed check the condition of the pivots as mentioned before, you may find something broken. There is adjustment in the tailgater at the point where the left and right latch close over the studs that are mounted to the bed frame. I believe it is a T-45 bolt with a plastic bushing. The bolt goes into a floating nut-plate that will allow you 360 degrees of adjustment. Start with the side that is binding and make small adjustments until it fits properly. If this does not fix the problem, then there may be something bent or broken, but we will need pictures do figure it out. Good luck.