I have a 1980 Bronco. The passenger side latch on the tailgate will not pop into the open position when the tailgate is opened. as a result, when the tailgate is shut, the closed latch slams into the striker and that side of the tailgate does not close properly, throwing off the the alignment of the window channel etc. I have to hold the tailgate handle in the open positon and reach over and force the latch into the open position. Often it will snap to the closed position before I can shut the tailgate. I have called the local Ford dealer and the parts man informs me a new latch is $70! Besides, in order to remove the latch for replacement it looks as though you have to go inside the door and there ain't no room to work! There are no salvage yards that have such a part in my area. any suggestions of things I might try that could get the old latch working? Or where to get the part cheaper? I have tried penetrating oil on it thinking perhaps it was gummed up. It helped somewhat but applying it from the inside of the door is impossible.

Any suggestions?

Does anyone know if the latch from a Ford pickup tailgate is interchangeable?

 

here it is at Bronco Graveyard:

34510 - Latch, Right 83-96
Image not available new
Price
$45.00

34511 - Latch, Right 83-96
used
Price
$10.00

34512 - Latch, Left 80-96
Image not available new
Price
$45.00

also for junk yards near you, besdies the one's you checked, try this site:
http://www.copartfinder.com./cgi-bin/select.dtw/disp