Tailgate won't open!!

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Feb 2, 2002 | 07:16 AM

Flrsdgy

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Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 25

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From: Kent USA

Tailgate won't open!!

I just got my truck, and have spent all my time at the front end and underneath. I discovered that the tailgate won't open, and suspect that the mechanism needs to be lubed. How do I go about getting it opened so I can commence to lubin'? Thanks for any help you can give.

"Quadzilla"
'95 F350 Crew Cab 4X4 PSD.
35" tires on 10" rims.
(Thank God for a wife
that likes big trucks.)

Feb 2, 2002 | 08:00 AM

Monsta

Sit. Stay.

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 18,308

Likes: 20

From: Washington State

Tailgate won't open!!

You may have to undo the tailgate handle so that you can get to the rod actuators themselves. Maybe a pull with some vise-grips on each one. Or mainly so you can see what's goin' on in there. Somtimes a rod can fall off or get bent out of shape. Also helps if you push on your tailgate while lifting the handle. Relieves tension.

Now, I had to do this with many ch*vy's. I may not work on your but I can't imagine the design being too far off.

Once open, I would recommend "penetrating grease" not WD-40. (Use that first) The grease sprays like WD-40 but sets up nice and gooey. I love the stuff. You should be able to find it at a good auto parts store. I use the ZEP brand...

Feb 2, 2002 | 08:08 AM

Flrsdgy

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 25

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From: Kent USA

Tailgate won't open!!

Thanks, Monsta. Once the sun comes up, I'll try that.

"Quadzilla"
'95 F350 Crew Cab 4X4 PSD.
35" tires on 10" rims.
(Thank God for a wife
that likes big trucks.)

Feb 2, 2002 | 09:27 AM

DaleL

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Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 82

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From: In the office! Dayton, OH

Tailgate won't open!!

but, is it locked? :-)

DaleL

Feb 2, 2002 | 09:30 AM

Monsta

Sit. Stay.

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 18,308

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From: Washington State

Tailgate won't open!!

I don't think the '95's had locking tailgates...but that was MY first thought!

Feb 2, 2002 | 10:43 AM

NoMo

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Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 4,742

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From: OK

Tailgate won't open!!

I seem to remember my '93 F150 having a plastic clip that didn't always hold onto the latch rod the way it was supposed to. Mine never broke, but I've heard of some that did.

Feb 3, 2002 | 05:24 AM

Flrsdgy

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 25

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From: Kent USA

Tailgate won't open!!

I got it open, and got her all lubed up. Mine doesn't have a lock on it, it was just that the latch mechanism on the right side was stuck. After a fair amount of shakin' and bangin' it finally came open. Thanks for your help.

"Quadzilla"
'95 F350 Crew Cab 4X4 PSD.
35" tires on 10" rims.
(Thank God for a wife
that likes big trucks.)