The handle that allows me to open my tailgate just broke and I ordered an aftermarket replacement. The original was plastic and the replacement is all metal. Can anyone tell me what's involved in installing the new one? Specifically, do I have to take that tailgate apart or can I do it from the outside of the tailgate? I see screw heads on the inside of the tailgate and I'm assuming that these would allow me to remove the inside of my tailgate.
Thanks.
Steve

 

Just remove cover , once you do that pretty easy..Hope this helps

 

What cover? Do you mean the inside of the tailgate? When I lift the handle, underneath I see a plastic "plate" that looks like it might be a cover?
Thanks.
Steve

 

The one on the back side of the tailgate.

 

I'm confused too. I need to grease mine so that it doesn't break (very squeaky and tough to pull on). I took off the tailgate bedliner, but I couldn't see how to get to the mechanism.

-Jim

 

What year, not all of them have the access panel.

 

Mine's a 2000.

 

All mine are 1998's

 

There should be an access panel on 1998 & 2000, eight screws.

 

Every Ranger tailgate I've ever seen has the access panel.
Open the tailgate, take off whatever protector/bedliner type thing you have attached to the inside of the tailgate.
There should be a panel, just like described, 8 (I only remember 4, but, it's been a while), and boom, you're right there, easy access to grease, replace, stare, adjust, whatever floats your boat.

What year (if at all) did they stop giving you that option.

 

The older ones don't, I had a 1989.

 

I have been thinking about this too. I have the 88' sans access panel. My handle was sticky so I was able to spray it and it still works but you have to lift up pretty hard to release. What do those of us with ancient Rangers do?

 

My 2000 has it , handle snapped and I replaced it.

 

What do those of us with ancient Rangers do?

You have to pull the linkage out, there's screws at the handle and latches.

 

I have an 86 and the handles bent. To get it out you just take out 3 screws on the inside side of the tailgate and unclip these little brittle plastic things that secure the rods that go to the latchs from the handle. Thing is, does anyone know where to get a NEW one. Failing that, anyone know what the newest year that would fit would be?