My tailgate on the 84 SWB is stuck in the closed position. Pulling the handle lets the left side release a little but the right side is stuck fast. I have spayed PB Blaster through the crack to try to loosen up the catch mechanism without luck. There are no removable access panels on the bed side of the tailgate. Has anyone seen this issue? Thought maybe I could remove the passenger side tail light to see if an access hole was there but no joy. Any tips?

 

Hey, Are both your 'rods' still firmly in place in the tailgate handle? I had one of the retainer clips come loose and the rod popped out of the actual tailgate handle.

 

I agree - the rod has probably popped out or the clip has broken. Pull the handle by removing the screws inside the tailgate and you'll see both rods.

 

Look up by the handle. If one rod is loose [broken plastic clip], the rod [which is horizontal, by the way] can be pulled using pliers. This will open the tailgate.

The plastic clips can be purchased @ Ford dealer or parts houses in the HELP section.

 

Lower pic showing the right side parts of the 1983/86 F100/350 tailgate.

 

If one or both of the rods have broke free from the handle like the guys have already said you can reach underneath and pull both or one of them with your hand and open the tailgate. The rods on my original tailgate were bent so I had to use a screwdriver and from the inside of the bed I pushed the latches in one at a time and got it open. Hope that helps!

 

Good call guys... The top rod had popped out of the handle. Probably should have looked harder.