tailgate strike

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Mar 22, 2020 | 01:06 AM

tlbranth

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tailgate strike

I have a 1996 F250 7.3 Diesel extra cab. I'm unable to unlatch the tailgate. The latching mechanism is just plumb stuck I've spent lots of time trying to spot the problem from inside the tailgate but been unsuccessful. I think there may be gravel jamming it up. The only way I can see around this is to cut the strike pins with a cutoff wheel and buy new strikes. In view of the virus that's all around I don't want to venture out - I have a suppressed immune system due to arthritis meds. Looking online I've seen lots of them for sale but they say they're for 1997 up. Does anyone know if these 1997+ strikes are the same as the 1996 ones? Any tips appreciated - including any other ideas to open the tailgate.

Mar 22, 2020 | 09:02 AM

WayneJohnsonExpress

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From: North Shore KIIIIID

If you can see inside the trail gate, maybe spray both side latches with WD40, or P'blaster etc, and then compressed air to really get it in there. Manually with a screw driver, or similar, try to open the latches while someone pushes in on the tailgate. At least if you open them, you could unbolt them and soak in whatever solution or replace the latches if necessary. Once you cut the strikes, you'll be using a pipe wrench or similar to remove what's left and that's just a pain.
good luck

Mar 22, 2020 | 09:05 AM

farmert

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Joined: Mar 2006

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From: western SD

Have you removed the panel that covers the inner side of the tail gate? you can usually get the latch rods to move to release the latches. I have had the release handle brake, and gotten the tail gate open that way.

Mar 22, 2020 | 09:09 AM

HunterSThompson

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From: Denver, Co

First, get out some penatraiting oil, and hose her down, let her sit repeat.
Not sure where your at, but rust belt region is hard on real metal.

Parts from 92-96 or 97HD's usually fit.

I found a replacement bed for my 97 SWB, I will have some spares, let me know.

Mar 22, 2020 | 12:52 PM

tlbranth

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Tom - yes I removed that panel. The mechanism inside is working fine. The problem is in the latches (or maybe just one of them) themselves.
Wayne - you're right. if I could get the gate open I'd be laughing. I've looked at the latch before but don't recall what I'd need to push on to free it up.
Hunter - I'd already done what you suggested. No joy. Ifyou have some strikes available, I'll get back to you if I'm stuck with the cutting option.
Thank you all for your help, it's most appreciated.

Mar 22, 2020 | 01:38 PM

farmert

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Joined: Mar 2006

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From: western SD

Can you unsnap the rod from the opener handle and pull the rod to the latching mechanism? You might have to remove the opener handle from the tail gate to do this.

Mar 22, 2020 | 07:35 PM

tlbranth

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I was having no luck again today and decided to cut the strikes. Buuuut, the cutoff wheel on my angle grinder wouldn't reach it. So I went at it again and got it to open using more-or-less what Tom suggested. I gripped the right hand rod with vise-grips and used a bfsd (screw driver) to pry between the vise-grips and the edge of the opening. Something made a grinding noise and it opened. Turned out to be a rock in the right hand latch. My prying broke the rock. Works fine now.
Thank you all for your suggestions. Always good to get another slant on a problem.