88 tailgate question
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88 tailgate question
Could one of you kind souls please explain how the latch assy works on these?
No matter where I position the rods, I can not get the tailgate down.
This is week two and it is not funny anymore
TIA for any help....
No matter where I position the rods, I can not get the tailgate down.
This is week two and it is not funny anymore
TIA for any help....
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
look up inside where the latch handle is, and you will see the two levers that pull the rods back to release the latches... common problem is that the latch gets bent and does not move those rods. Both need to be pulled in order to release the latches.
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Thank you for the reply.
What I left out is the rods are loose. Some idiot with a big prybar canopened the back as the handle broke with a load in the bed. So now the bed side access panel is off and the (slightly bent) rods are loose. These rods move a swivel on each end of the bed through quite a range of motion. I tried all the way CW and all the way CCW, as well as the rods at their innermost position. The gate will not budge. What I need to know is where the rods need to be when "unlocked" so I can see if that is the problem or the gate is jammed somehow. It seems that when you pull up on the handle the "scissors" close in, not spread, so I assume that the rods need to be toward the center of the bed as possible... There doesn't seem to be a point where you can "feel" anything releasing, which is why I asked how the latch works.
I have two of the cheaper shop manuals - one doesn't show it at all and the other has a real real miniature picture and the detail is not there. Grrrrr.
What I left out is the rods are loose. Some idiot with a big prybar canopened the back as the handle broke with a load in the bed. So now the bed side access panel is off and the (slightly bent) rods are loose. These rods move a swivel on each end of the bed through quite a range of motion. I tried all the way CW and all the way CCW, as well as the rods at their innermost position. The gate will not budge. What I need to know is where the rods need to be when "unlocked" so I can see if that is the problem or the gate is jammed somehow. It seems that when you pull up on the handle the "scissors" close in, not spread, so I assume that the rods need to be toward the center of the bed as possible... There doesn't seem to be a point where you can "feel" anything releasing, which is why I asked how the latch works.
I have two of the cheaper shop manuals - one doesn't show it at all and the other has a real real miniature picture and the detail is not there. Grrrrr.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
the latches themself work like the door latches. You are correct, the scissors need to close to release the latches. I fear the latches are screwed, if someone got happy with the prybars... try spraying some penetrating oil inside the latches to see if perhaps they may loosen that way.
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I am still stuck on this one.
I have been shooting PB Blaster on the latches for the past two weeks. They seem "loose". Are they spring loaded at all?
I was able to get the gate down one time since the prybar incident using a BIG slip lock pliers when I got it just in the right position.
I wonder if I closed the gate with the latches in the "wrong" position?
Before I get a plasma cutter are there any other suggestions? Wonder if I can't get it if I could cut the strikers off and replace those afterwards?
I have been shooting PB Blaster on the latches for the past two weeks. They seem "loose". Are they spring loaded at all?
I was able to get the gate down one time since the prybar incident using a BIG slip lock pliers when I got it just in the right position.
I wonder if I closed the gate with the latches in the "wrong" position?
Before I get a plasma cutter are there any other suggestions? Wonder if I can't get it if I could cut the strikers off and replace those afterwards?
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 455
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From: Alaska
With some help, hold the latch rods in the open position, each toward the center and have someone pop the tailgate from the inside, kinda like popping a hood that is stuck.
The latches may be releasing but due to previous efforts, there may be something bent and is just hung up a bit. that is my best guess.
The latches may be releasing but due to previous efforts, there may be something bent and is just hung up a bit. that is my best guess.
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