Tailgate latch hardware

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May 6, 2024 | 10:00 AM

beartracks

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Joined: Nov 2000

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From: Albuquerque

Tailgate latch hardware

Anyone replace the parts for the tailgate latch? I think the springs are dead on my latches. Not sure what I'm getting into on how to get the parts in/out.

May 6, 2024 | 10:18 AM

Rubiranch

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: South Central Utah

I replaced mine and it works greats.

LMC truck tailgate parts

May 6, 2024 | 11:53 AM

beartracks

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From: Albuquerque

Did you have any trouble getting the rods where they needed to be to connect? Not sure if anything holds them in place when the spring plates are removed.

May 6, 2024 | 12:59 PM

Rubiranch

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From: South Central Utah

Not that I remember.
I also bought those plastic clips too.

May 6, 2024 | 01:20 PM

beartracks

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From: Albuquerque

Thanks a lot!

May 6, 2024 | 10:30 PM

77&79F250

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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county

Be aware that the welded in place internally square nut can break loose. See the R/H one in the pic?

May 6, 2024 | 10:44 PM

tbear853

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: The Shenandoah Valley

Quote:

Originally Posted by 77&79F250

Be aware that the welded in place internally square nut can break loose. See the R/H one in the pic?

To remove mine, when removing the OEM latch mechanisms at the ends, after the first of the square weld nut broke loose, I carefully and precisely as I could, determined and marked the inner tailgate surface for the center of the flat on the side of the square nut, then drilled (3/8" ID holes) into the nut's flat just enough that I could confirm the location and use a bit of weld to weld the nut to the tailgate there, filling the hole just drilled. Carefully avoided welding the bolt too. The weld heat expanded the nut and then the bolt was easily removed.

Didn't do it on my new tailgate, but I come close. If ever I need to undo the bolts, and they seem stuck, I will.

I did coat the threads with nickel anti seize.

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Sep 5, 2025 | 08:48 AM

fatherdoug

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: Colstrip, MT

Quote:

Originally Posted by beartracks

Anyone replace the parts for the tailgate latch? I think the springs are dead on my latches. Not sure what I'm getting into on how to get the parts in/out.

Hello, beartracks. I just replaced my whole latch assembly with a kit from Auto Metal Direct. The kit is complete for the entire latching assembly, including the handle for about $150. They also have some you tube videos that are detailed for removal and installation. A couple of caveats, though. None of the nuts, bolts are included with the kit. Fortunately, all my nuts, bolts were still in good shape. I was missing two stake nuts on the tailgate which I couldn't find replacements for. Also the plastic retainers for the rods are inverted when shipped, so you have to squeeze the retainers out and turn them around. Good luck.