I'm having a hard time opening tailgate, have to pull handle 3-4 times before it releases, feels like something inside panel is bent/sprung as the handle won't engage .
before I tear into it does anyone have an idea as to what may be the problem?

 

Tear into it!!!!

 

Mine does the same thing. I'm tearing into it when I get the chance.

Scott

 

mine was very hard to open also,I removed the panel on inside of tailgate and lube mechanism and latches with lps#2 -- works great now.