lift gate issue locking

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 11, 2023 | 04:10 AM

mackendw

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Feb 2022

Posts: 657

Likes: 106

From: New Dominion, PE

lift gate issue locking

Have an 87 ford f150 with the 5.0L. Issue is with the passenger side lift gate lock mechanism that is spring loaded. Mine is not grabbing the spline stud on the side of the box so that side can be moved in/out and rattles. The drivers side latches properly. I cleaned the spring out and lubed it with silicon lubricant. Still not latching. Is this a common issue? fix is to replace that latch mechanism?

May 11, 2023 | 08:04 AM

My4Fordtrucks

Hotshot

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 12,878

Likes: 2,446

With the tailgate down, use a screwdriver, 3/8” extension or something else to close the latch. Does it fully close and stay closed?

May 11, 2023 | 08:49 AM

mackendw

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Feb 2022

Posts: 657

Likes: 106

From: New Dominion, PE

Quote:

Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks

With the tailgate down, use a screwdriver, 3/8” extension or something else to close the latch. Does it fully close and stay closed?

Yes, I can move the hook into the locked position and it will stay but when I close the tailgate that hook part doesn't wrap around it.

May 11, 2023 | 09:20 AM

My4Fordtrucks

Hotshot

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 12,878

Likes: 2,446

Did it latch before or is this a new problem? The striker pin on the body is adjustable.

May 11, 2023 | 10:30 AM

mackendw

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Feb 2022

Posts: 657

Likes: 106

From: New Dominion, PE

If I close it, it stays shut...the issue is the right side (passenger) has around 1-2" of movement because the locking clasp is not going around the striker pin. You say
the pin is adjustable eh? how is that accomplished?

May 11, 2023 | 03:01 PM

My4Fordtrucks

Hotshot

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 12,878

Likes: 2,446

Quote:

Originally Posted by mackendw

That’s not what is asked. Is the passenger side not latching new or not? With a Torx bit

May 11, 2023 | 03:37 PM

mackendw

Thread Starter

More Turbo

Joined: Feb 2022

Posts: 657

Likes: 106

From: New Dominion, PE

Quote:

Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks

That’s not what is asked. Is the passenger side not latching new or not? With a Torx bit

No, the passenger side latch is not connecting with the pin. I'll have to procure a T50 TORX bit I guess...I saw a video of the setup
of the pin ...and there does appear to be some wiggle room to move it to meet the locking claw.