73 dent tailgate
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Macon,GA
73 dent tailgate
Hey guys,
My tailgate locking mechanism is sticking. I think a spring or something came undone. How do I get at the mechanism? It still works but I have to manually hold the lever to open and close the gate. I know there are 3 bolts on the back but is there an access panel or do people have to break it open and then weld it back together?
My tailgate locking mechanism is sticking. I think a spring or something came undone. How do I get at the mechanism? It still works but I have to manually hold the lever to open and close the gate. I know there are 3 bolts on the back but is there an access panel or do people have to break it open and then weld it back together?
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 898
Likes: 3
From: Chillicothe, IA
Each latch has 3 screws that hold it in. Also there are the 3 bolts you see inside the tail gate. those are for the handle. Remove the screws for the latches, then bolts for handle. Latches are connected to the handle with long thick rods. Unhook one side, keep ahold of the rod and you can pull the latch out from the handle hole. Do the same for the other side. Now you can clean up everything really good and check it for function. Most likely it just needs cleaned and lubed up really good.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 15
From: Lower Mainland B.C.
If by lever you mean the handle...? These are old school trucks, you have to hold the handle to open and close them. NEWER trucks tailgates are designed so that you do NOT have to hold the handle when closing the tailgate, and when opening a newer one it is just a quick pull and they fall open.
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