Ford Tailgate Latch broken

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Oct 9, 2003 | 12:04 PM

heppjay

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Joined: Oct 2003

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Ford Tailgate Latch broken

I have a 1990 F150 (which I love dearly!). Recently the tailgate latch hadle snapped so I had to pull the back cover off and open the 'gate by hand. Now the darn latch on the right side won't open and I am unsure how to realease that side. Can anyone help me on this?

Much appreciated

Jman

Oct 9, 2003 | 12:23 PM

rlp

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Joined: Apr 2003

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From: Raleigh, NC

Same thing happened to me, check my post

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=123637

I had to release the right latch manually - I think I used an old screwdriver as a probe. Then I disassembled the left side to compare the mechanisms, and found that a tang on the right one had bent. I was able to "muscle" it back to the original form using pliers and griplocks, and so far so good.

I bought an aftermarket tailgate handle (HELP namebrand) from Pep Boys, but you can find this line of product at other auto part chains. Make sure you match up your year/model correctly if you do buy this brand -should be printed somewhere on the packaging.

-rlp

Oct 9, 2003 | 06:15 PM

heppjay

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Joined: Oct 2003

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Thanks for the tip. I figured it was going to be something like that. I think I can see the latch tang so I will have a bash at it tonight. I will check on the tailgate handles, too.

Cheers,
jman