Improving tailgate operation
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,124
Likes: 5,773
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Get with a insurance company like Haggerty's that does classic vehicles or get an insurance company that will insure them for the stated value. YOUR stated value, not Kelly Blue book. They might for a pic or 2 and they want it parked in a carport or garage. But no limit on annual mileage. That is how I do it anyway.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 638
Likes: 36
From: Southwest Missouri
Get with a insurance company like Haggerty's that does classic vehicles or get an insurance company that will insure them for the stated value. YOUR stated value, not Kelly Blue book. They might for a pic or 2 and they want it parked in a carport or garage. But no limit on annual mileage. That is how I do it anyway.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,168
Likes: 375
From: Near Los Angeles
I only skimmed all the replies, so I probably missed a lot. But, are you aware that the tailgate handle connects to the rods with a piece of plastic? There is a small clip that holds each rod to the handle mechanism.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,124
Likes: 5,773
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Yes you skimmed it way to fast see post #7 and it was mentioned and a diagram was posted. Past 431C56 can be located at most HELP sections at the auto parts stores. But F250 restorer thanks for the reminder mention. It's the little details that matter, that often get forgotten.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 163
From: East Texas
I decided to give our mechanism a going over today. I got some new clips from the parts store, but they only had a variety pack with one each for what we need. Luckily I was able to find some I had from over 25 years ago from an 80 Bronco that I used to have. So I can get my 9 bucks back.
My tip is more than likely the clips will need to be replaced. Ours were completely gone. So make sure you have some before you dig in.
Also be careful as the blind nuts behind the latch assemblies on the sides can come loose and fall inside the tailgate. I used some tacky caulk strip to hold them while I got the bolts started and then pulled outwards on the assembly to keep them from spinning while tightening the bolts.
Cleaned and lubed everything, fought the clips and rods for awhile, but now our tailgate closes without having to hold the handle out/pushing in to latch.
The left side doesn't fully engage, but I think that is because our rear cross sill is toast and tailgate sags a little to the passenger side.
Cross sill has been on the list for awhile.
Thanks for the pictures 77&79. They helped alot.
My tip is more than likely the clips will need to be replaced. Ours were completely gone. So make sure you have some before you dig in.
Also be careful as the blind nuts behind the latch assemblies on the sides can come loose and fall inside the tailgate. I used some tacky caulk strip to hold them while I got the bolts started and then pulled outwards on the assembly to keep them from spinning while tightening the bolts.
Cleaned and lubed everything, fought the clips and rods for awhile, but now our tailgate closes without having to hold the handle out/pushing in to latch.
The left side doesn't fully engage, but I think that is because our rear cross sill is toast and tailgate sags a little to the passenger side.
Cross sill has been on the list for awhile.
Thanks for the pictures 77&79. They helped alot.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,027
Likes: 890
From: East Central Ia
It's all in the maintenance or the lack of by previous owners along with abuse. My truck may look like it's on last legs but everything opens and closes with 2 clicks. It wasn't perfect when I inherited it but with a few adjustments and lubrication. Shop manuals are a wealth of information as far as maintenance. Thanks for the pics of the latch assembly.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,217
Likes: 154
Also be careful as the blind nuts behind the latch assemblies on the sides can come loose and fall inside the tailgate. I used some tacky caulk strip to hold them while I got the bolts started and then pulled outwards on the assembly to keep them from spinning while tightening the bolts.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 163
From: East Texas
Sorry for the confusion. I guess they should be called the striker assemblies on the sides. The nut plates in the first pic of post 7 is what I was referring to. I must have skipped over that 77&79 mentioned it as well.
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