Since I got a box of parts from Rock Auto today, I PROMISE, that after this is fixed, I will finally start a "build" thread...BIG thanks, in advance.

PLEASE tell me what could be wrong here. New replacement tailgate handle, other parts are original.

Looking up into the tailgate


Too much spring extension causing these pieces to NOT work together properly


Tailgate handle, while not operational, sticking out too far. It can be pushed in, but still no worky


When pushed in, these parts don't work together as designed

 

Now that I look at it, I'm thinking maybe I should have made sure that the handle was in the "closed" position while connecting the driver's side rod????

 

Made in Taiwan is part of the problem.

But it looks like the handle was in the open position but the latch was in the closed position

 

I agree about the "Made in Taiwan" part, but it is a project with a VERY small budget. I'm usually quite particular about such things.

The latch; how can I be sure it is in the closed position, or can I just disconnect the rods, "close" the handle, and reconnect the rods?

 

The handle pulls on those round "cams" Right now they are nOT. So they need to be on the other side

 

Does the tailgate need to be closed shut when I am installing the rods; that way the latch springs are pushed in?


I've found this video to be pretty good help.

 

You should be able to take the handle out, clamp it in a vise, and get it figured out by working it like that. That's the way I usually fix the original handles, by bending them back the way they are supposed to be and welding any cracks.

 

I realize budget, but some parts are worth paying the price for.

I bought the 'inexpensive' tailgate latch handle and struggled with it, like you are, for quite a while. I tried bending, modifying, and even welded up an area that kept slipping.

I finally broke down and bought a NOS part. Popped right in and worked flawless.

A 15 minute job with the right parts. A three week disaster with the chinese version.

For me, it was worth the NOS part. It cost me about $40

 

I appreciate all the input. I'll see what this evening brings and we'll go from there. Thanks

 

As it turns out, the new chrome Made in Taiwan tailgate handle isn't worth a #?*!.
I took the original handle, freed it up, lubed it up, stole the spring from the new handle and used it. Tailgate operation is now a one-finger job.












HOWEVER, it looks like crap...lol

 

Can't help you on the chrome part, but it's crooked, probably because part of it is bent. Usually it's easily straightened if you take it back apart and mess with it in the vise again.

 

Fortunately (for me and probably the part, too lol) I didn't have to put it in the vise. I guess I could take it and compare it to the Taiwanese handle and see what the differences are. Worst part is that the Taiwanese one looked crooked like that when bolted up...

 

That's nothing a little water and quad-ott steel wool can't fix


Quad ott steel wool on chrome shines up bumpers like new in no time! I use it all the time when I have some polishing/rust removal to do.