Tailgate question
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: abilene kansas
Tailgate question
The tailgate that came on my truck was in very bad shape, would not close, plus the latch was shot. What other years of tailgates would interchange with My '80?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,477
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From: Sheffield, AL
Later models can be modified, but I believe 1980 and 1981 will just bolt on [perhaps 1982?]. The earlier models used metal support straps and the later ones had plastic coated cables, so the hardware is different.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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IIRC 80-86 have the same hinge and latch styles, with only minor differences in the support straps as described above. 87-96 tailgates look similar on the outside, but have very different hinges and latches, so they're not compatible
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
1980-1982 is a direct swap. E0TZ-9940700-A: Use with Metal Support Arms
1983-1986 will need to be modified to work. E3TZ-9940700-A or E5TZ-9940700-A: Use with support cables. The tailgate would need to be drilled and cut to accept the 1980-1982 hardware, or new 1983-1985 latches installed. The 1980-1982 metal support arms are a part of the latch assymblies.
Two different handles...
E0TZ or E5TZ-9943400-A: Argent 1980-1986
E0TZ or E5TZ-9943400-B: Chrome 1980-1986
There are the aftermarket variety that fits 1980-1986, but they are not that great, and I'd stay away from those.
1983-1986 will need to be modified to work. E3TZ-9940700-A or E5TZ-9940700-A: Use with support cables. The tailgate would need to be drilled and cut to accept the 1980-1982 hardware, or new 1983-1985 latches installed. The 1980-1982 metal support arms are a part of the latch assymblies.
Two different handles...
E0TZ or E5TZ-9943400-A: Argent 1980-1986
E0TZ or E5TZ-9943400-B: Chrome 1980-1986
There are the aftermarket variety that fits 1980-1986, but they are not that great, and I'd stay away from those.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 32
From: Delhi, Iowa
will the gate close if you hold the handle in the up position while closing it? thats what it takes for my truck...
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From: abilene kansas
No, it won't
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: abilene kansas
Yep, I tried that several times, so after a few 4 letter words
I just decided to run with out a tailgate temporarily till I can fix the problem (I don't haul much so will be ok for now)
I just decided to run with out a tailgate temporarily till I can fix the problem (I don't haul much so will be ok for now)
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: abilene kansas
Found out the problem, the latch rod clips on the tailgate handle were missing. I removed the handle, and then pulled each latch rod, and it is now closed. Where can I get the latch rod clips?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Sheffield, AL
Ford dealer or "HELP" section at most part stores. They are about $1.00 - 2.00 each.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: abilene kansas
Will check the local O' Reilly and Auto Zone, maybe the NAPA store here. Our Local Ford dealer shut it's doors this summer. If I go to a Ford dealer, what part number, and description of these clips do I use