Tailgate latch
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
Tailgate latch
After 3 hours it is time to take a break before I damage my newly painted tailgate. I spent 3 hours trying to put the latch back which means getting that large screw in the correct position so the latch can be pulled out. Just not seeing it. Every time I put the handle on it is pointing out instead of laying flat in the housing. The manual has no picture of the tailgate in the body section and the CD has a uselessly small diagram.
This is as far as I have gotten and only on memory.
This is as far as I have gotten and only on memory.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 370
From: PHX AZ
After 3 hours it is time to take a break before I damage my newly painted tailgate. I spent 3 hours trying to put the latch back which means getting that large screw in the correct position so the latch can be pulled out. Just not seeing it. Every time I put the handle on it is pointing out instead of laying flat in the housing. The manual has no picture of the tailgate in the body section and the CD has a uselessly small diagram.
This is as far as I have gotten and only on memory.
This is as far as I have gotten and only on memory.
I found if you put a screw driver or something holding both latches in the "open" position it gives you much more room and lets you get a better angle on the handle.
Push latch in by sliding large screw driver in each end then make sure the little piece is at correct angle to make sure both rods are "pulling" then there are 2 washers, one you have so far is in correct location but its hard to tell if correct thickness. Then handle back assy then washer then handle then nut.
I have a very close up pic & trying to find it now.
I had it down where I could install it in under 5 minutes because I had it apart so many times because of the difference in latch assemblies.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
C4TZ-99431A78-A Right & C4TZ-99431A79-A Left .. Tailgate Latch Release Links.
1964/66 F100/250 2WD - 1966 F100 4WD - 1967/72 F100/350.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
That I know as it is very obvious from the beginning. It is getting the bolt that holds the latch handle into the correct orientation so you can put the handle on. First several times when the handle would be in the rest position the tailgate would be in the open position. Other times the slotted hole on the handle doesn't have the correct orientation to fit the corresponding ledge on the bolt.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
Well the suggestion about using something to pry open the latches on either side worked along with turning the bolt around deep inside. Now the problem is that the handle flops down loosely even though the three washers are in place.
My solution is to buy some more washers to take out the excess slack as I don't have the patience to deal with this simple problem. I have unlimited patience for complex things but limited patience for simple things. Just rather chuck the whole thing over the fence right now.
My solution is to buy some more washers to take out the excess slack as I don't have the patience to deal with this simple problem. I have unlimited patience for complex things but limited patience for simple things. Just rather chuck the whole thing over the fence right now.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,651
Likes: 60
From: Hemet ca.
Well the suggestion about using something to pry open the latches on either side worked along with turning the bolt around deep inside. Now the problem is that the handle flops down loosely even though the three washers are in place.
My solution is to buy some more washers to take out the excess slack as I don't have the patience to deal with this simple problem. I have unlimited patience for complex things but limited patience for simple things. Just rather chuck the whole thing over the fence right now.
My solution is to buy some more washers to take out the excess slack as I don't have the patience to deal with this simple problem. I have unlimited patience for complex things but limited patience for simple things. Just rather chuck the whole thing over the fence right now.
But in case your patience wears out, which fence will you be throwing it over?
Just kidding, take a break, you'll get it.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
Went back to it an hour or so later. Then I look over to the far right side of the yard where the original tailgate is leaning against a storage shed for the last 4 months. Right there is a gate that hasn't been disassembled as the gate I was using was one removed for a Camper. Duh, just take the latch apart and what do I see? Nothing new except confirmation that I did things right the last time. All three washers in correct order but nonetheless took one of those washers. Now the handle has two nylon washers and one wave washer behind it and there is no slack. My guess is that one dimension of the new cover, where the bolt works it's way from the backside after hitting a welded in shoulder, must be off 1/16" in depth.
Next putting the gate onto the truck and aligning it.
Next putting the gate onto the truck and aligning it.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 265
Likes: 5
From: Massachusetts
In case this post lives on as reference, I just looked at the assembly on my '66. The rod on the right side faces down; the rod on the left faces up where they join the bolt for the latch handle. In the photo posted, both rods are facing up. This might be another source of alignment twist.
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