When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Right now the handle has full range of motion up and down. But it doesnt look like it's engaging with anything, it's just kind of moving on it's on.
The part i pointed out here in this picture doesn't rotate at all (431C88), which i'm assuming it should?? Could be rust.
I took out the three bolts holding the latch assembly in the bed and was about to kind of twist the whole assembly by hand and engage the rods. I couldn't do it enough to get the tailgate to drop but i could hear the springs compressing/decompressing.
Take the assembly out and give it a good degreasing/wire brush job. I've had several that were sticky, not too hard to get loose again. Even if you can't, a replacement is easy to swap.
Right now the handle has full range of motion up and down. But it doesnt look like it's engaging with anything, it's just kind of moving on it's on.
The part i pointed out here in this picture doesn't rotate at all (431C88), which i'm assuming it should?? Could be rust.
I took out the three bolts holding the latch assembly in the bed and was about to kind of twist the whole assembly by hand and engage the rods. I couldn't do it enough to get the tailgate to drop but i could hear the springs compressing/decompressing.
Here's a pic of the entire mechanism. Make sure the nylon clips (431C56) are attached to the link rods (431A78) and the handle assy (43400).
Any tips about how to get the tailgate open when the handle and rod are in place and moving, but don't appear to be releasing the latch? I can hear everything moving and I can look up inside and see the rod move. I can't tell if the latch is moving but it looks like somebody in the past tried to jimmy it, so I guess it has been a problem for awhile...
Take two #2 flat tip screwdrivers and when some one is pulling up on the tailgate handle have 2 other folks pop the latches from inside the bed. See the red arrows? It should take just a bit of pressure.
I'd give the sliding bolts on the edges of the tailgate a good shot of penetrating lube or WD40 first. Then try again.
It may be necessary to remove the handle mechanism. Make sure rods for both sides are accounted for... and a good idea to attach a light wire around each rod in case it drops to make it easier to retrieve. If necessary pull on the rods with pliers to release the tailgatge.
Once open and apart, clean everything up and inspect. Wire brush, solvent, emery cloth ect. Clean again and if everything is intact, lube. I used white lithium spray grease. The nylon clips or rod retainers are important for correct function. Replacements are available in the help section of the AP store in kit form... 2 kits were needed to do my tailgate.
Ah, ok, one rod is missing. From the diagram I thought there was only one rod to the right, but in mine I only have a rod to the left. That would do it... Thanks!
I have had the plastic clips, 431C56 in the diagram, break and allow the rods to come out of the handle assembly. If I remember correctly I could reach into the tailgate, past the handle assembly, and get the dropped rods.
Make sure everything is cleaned and well lubed when you put it back together,
A year ago the clips were still available and my local Ford dealer and weren't too expensive.
Turns out the handle mechanism was bent out of shape and the latches weren't fully disengaging, but I did have both rods, I just wasn't looking far up enough in there to see the right-hand side (hard to see because of the damage to the mechanism). One of the nylon clips was missing and the other was kind of chewed up, so I'm hoping that's the reason they weren't moving correctly.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
