Tail gate problem
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 247
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From: P-dot, Manitoba
Tail gate problem
On my 76 F-100 the tailgate won't open. The gate is latched on the driver side but not the other. It's opened once for me using the handle but not ever again. Any suggestions on how to get it open and fix it if possible? Thanx for any help.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 913
Likes: 2
From: Pensacola, FL
you can slide a flat head screwdrive between the slot and the locking mechanism on the sides of the tailgate to get it open, but i am not sure about fixing it other than maybe lubing it with chain lube, or WD-40
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
There are rods hooking to the tailgate handle. There are little plastic keeper or clips that hold the rods in place. It's possible that one of the keepers broke off and one of the rods has fallen off the handle.
You can get these "keepers" or clips at autozone or Kragen fairly cheaply
You can get these "keepers" or clips at autozone or Kragen fairly cheaply
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
81-F-150-Explorer is right, usually one of the rods fall off. These rods connect the handle to the lock on each side of the gate. Look up from the bottom of the handle - can you see two rods hooked into it, one on top and one on bottom?
Marty
Marty
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: P-dot, Manitoba
I've looked in there and the bottom rod, the one going to the drivers side, is in it's hole. And kermit I'm not sure what you mean, could you explain a little better please? Thanx.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,230
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From: East Flat Rock NC
Pull up on the handle as far as it will pull up and while pulling up yank towards
the oppsite side from the hanging side. It will open right up.
P.S after doing this a few hundred times the tailgate will still stick ! when you
get it open lube the latch at each end of the tailgate it may help.
the oppsite side from the hanging side. It will open right up.
P.S after doing this a few hundred times the tailgate will still stick ! when you
get it open lube the latch at each end of the tailgate it may help.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,277
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From: St George, SC I-95
if none of this works you can remove the tailgate handle and use vicegrips to pull the stuck connecting rod. this will allow the tailgate to open. and then replace the plastic clips.
IMHO PB blaster does wonders. I havent used WD40 in over a yr
IMHO PB blaster does wonders. I havent used WD40 in over a yr
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: P-dot, Manitoba
Thanx, I'll try the suggestions and once i get the tailgate open it definetely isn't closing until I can guarantee it works perfect.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 247
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From: P-dot, Manitoba
Well i figured out how to open it. Just needs to be pulled and twisted a bit as on the one side because the post type thing it latches to is rusted through at the bottom so it flexes. And there is a big heavy cap on it right now so it's tough to open. Anyways I opened it and the cap is coming off, so thats the end of my problems. Thanx for the help. 