'90 Tailgate won't open.

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Jan 15, 2005 | 08:49 AM

NitrousAl

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From: Massachusetts

'90 Tailgate won't open.

Does anyone have an idea how to open a tailgate with a malfunctioning handle? It lifts up, but the tailgate won't open. Can it be fixed or do I need anoth tailgate? I was going to take a crowbar to it, but I don't want to wreck my truck.

Jan 15, 2005 | 01:15 PM

CowboyBilly9Mile

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From: Eastern WA

Isn't there an access panel on the inside the bed surface of the tailgate that can be removed?

Jan 15, 2005 | 04:57 PM

NitrousAl

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From: Massachusetts

Thanks for the info. I completely forgot about that panel. It's covered by the bedliner. It's too dark now to take a look at it, but I will in the morning. Thanks again!

Jan 15, 2005 | 10:26 PM

el conquistador

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there is no need to take the screws out on the inside of the tailgate. you can access the hardware by simply looking up under handle itself (dont need to take the panel off), you will see the springs and the rest of the assembly. just needs some graphite or in my case i needed penetrating oil to free it up. worked like a charm.

Jan 16, 2005 | 01:22 AM

hood

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From: Flat Rock, Michigan

Lube it up with some WD40 or similar lubricant. If you get it to open, be sure to lube or grease both sides where the gate latches at. The finger pins that go into the slots tend to get stuck when not used alot.

-hooD

Jan 16, 2005 | 03:15 AM

NitrousAl

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From: Massachusetts

So all the moving parts just need to be shot with some WD-40? It's not something more serious than that? I thought the handle was broken or something.

Jan 16, 2005 | 06:46 AM

Ranger Lance

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From: Seabrook, Texas

Screwdriver will do it. I had this happen to me so I'm going from memory:

Hold the handle up and while doing so get the screwdriver between the right side of the tailgate and the side body panel and work the "hook" coming from the tailgate off the stud. If need be, do the same thing on the left side also.

I got an aftermaket tailgate handle off ebay cheaper than an OEM and it was all metal. Common problem; get an all metal off ebay. (Go to ebay motors; search; type in ford ranger metal tailgate handle; click active items). They're less than $20.

Last edited by Ranger Lance; Jan 16, 2005 at 07:11 AM.