Tailgate Handle Question
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 57
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From: Damascus, AR
Tailgate Handle Question
For my '79 F-100, the tail gate has been difficult to open for some time. I've replaced the clips at the handle a few years ago but that didn't help much. The handle seems to pull the left side latch open ok but it just doesn't pull the rod to open the right side enough. There doesn't appear to be any problem with either the rod or the actual latch. The small stud on the arm that pushes the lever to pull the right side may have two problems. One, I'm not sure if the stud originally had a sleeve over it (similar to the door strike pin) to provide for an increased diameter, and two, the lever that pulls the right rod seems to have worn some over the years and has a dip in it where the stud rubs it during opening.
Is there a solution to fixing the handle or what is the best replacement handle that you have found?
Is there a solution to fixing the handle or what is the best replacement handle that you have found?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 146
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From: Bristow, VA
Has the truck ever been rear ended, if so the bed could be our of wack based on your description it seems as if it is more out of line that an issue with the latch. Also you mentioned the wear on the side that works and none on the other, that sort of confirms that the bed could be out of line. Another thing to check on the tailgate would be the casters where the tailggate hinges at the bottom of the bed, if one side is worn more that the other that could also cause the problem. This would be an easier fix then the bed. If it is your bed then to fix that is a bit more work, but also cheap to fix, but time consuming.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 57
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From: Damascus, AR
The truck has not sustained any rear damage. Even with the gate open, when you operate the handle, you can see that the right striker does not retract quite far enough to allow the gate to open. That leads me to believe that the issue is with the movement of the lever that pulls the actuating rod, and not issues with the bed or gate mounting point.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The R/L latches have coil springs. If one (or both) of the springs are weak or broken, the tailgate won't unlatch correctly.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 57
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From: Damascus, AR
Number Dummy, thanks for the insight on the possibility that the issue could be weak or broken coils springs on the latches themselves. I may be a little slow here, but how could a weak spring keep it from unlatching? Shouldn't the rod still pull it the proper distance to open? I'm open for an education here.
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