We have just jumped into the Big Bronco world for my 16 yr old and I building a weekend vehicle/daily driver for him.
I have been looking for info regarding the tailgate latch assembly and the best way to repair it or replace it..I have been to every online parts site I can find with little to show for it

Any opinions

 

What is wrong with the ones on it now????

A lot of times, it is just needing the plastic sleeves replaced on the posts to get a tight fit or/and some light weight grease in the latch.

 

Thanks...the tailgate will not latch and the inside lever is stuck in the "open" position...you can lift up and it will open and I am afraid of the back window being the only thing that is keeping the tailgate closed...hit a big bump and POW..there goes the window

 

Sounds like simple clean and adjust.

The inside levers seem to end up in the open position from to rough handling causing the bar inside to bend.

Do the latches actually latch? You can test them using a screwdriver to close them when the gate is open. Also test the opening also.

Pretty easy system once you remove the inner panel.

 

Parts explosion view of a typical tailgate for reference.

 

You can always take the access panel off to get a better look and make sure everything is connected.