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My tailgate latch broke. My guess it was due to age and rust. Over the years it got bent out of shape. I have included a pic of said latch. I'd like to know if the latch handle should point straight down or is it indeed meant to be cocked to the left side. Also, I'm unsure where to install the rod clips (if I can find them). Which holes do the left and right rods go into? Thanks.
I'd like to know if the latch handle should point straight down or is it indeed meant to be cocked to the left side. Also, I'm unsure where to install the rod clips (if I can find them). Which holes do the left and right rods go into?
Looks like, judging from mine, that yours is not bent up. Link rods appear to be lower one, to the left.
Oh dang, there is supposed to be clips on there?
When I bought the truck, the rods had fallen out, and were not attached anymore. No plastic clips. So I just put it back together and bent a little hook around the holes in the grip.
Looks like, judging from mine, that yours is not bent up. Link rods appear to be lower one, to the left.
Thanks for taking the time, confirming the bent left side strut. I thought mine was buggered. After much fussing my left side rod goes in the bottom hole (as you mentioned) of the latch assembly. And just to let the folks here know, I was pleasantly surprised to find those clips at the Ford dealership... What’d ya know. Everything else I’ve ever needed has been aftermarket. After using vise grips to dislodge the tailgate rods for the past 6 months its now functional again.
...And just to let the folks here know, I was pleasantly surprised to find those clips at the Ford dealership... What’d ya know. Everything else I’ve ever needed has been aftermarket.
Do you have the part number on the tail gate rod clips? One of mine broke and fell off about a decade ago and I used a piece of tie wire to hold it, which it has done well for all this time. But I would like to use the clips if and when the wire gives up the ghost.
Yep, E6AZ–5421952–A, looks like the one. Available on several on line sources. Used for several models and applications. Plastic so won't last forever.
The one that that broke on me was the bottom one, so wiring it in could be done from the outside through the handle hole. Replacing the top one must require opening up an interior access panel I guess? The inside of my tailgate is obscured by a tailgate liner. I suppose I'd take the liner off and then I'd be able to access the latch mechanism through a panel? Or maybe only the mechanism fasteners are accessible from the inside of the tailgate?
The inside of my tailgate is obscured by a tailgate liner.
Mine also has a liner. I did have to remove it. You can access the latch by removing the three bolts when you remove the liner. I found the ONLY way to replace the rod clips properly was to remove the latch assembly, set them in place without fastening the assembly, then bolt the assembly back in place. Works like a charm. The clips themselves are pretty sturdy and are a press/click fit. So you need to use a pair of pliers to pop them in place.
