Tailgate Handles... :-(
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Milwaukee
Tailgate Handles... :-(
I've had 2 Ford Trucks in the past 9 months, both were used. The first was an F-250 with 94k and the 2nd one, just 3 weeks old is an F-350 with 75k. On both of the trucks the tailgate handles require a lot of force to open the gate. -- My guess is that neither was taken care of and/or lubed... ever! I lived with the F-250's hard opening, but the F-350 is really hard! Today, when I tried to open the tailgate I jerked it so hard that it actually came off the hinges, that was fixed with a hose clamp. Is there something that I can do to make the handle work like new? I don't know what I should do, and I really don't want to pay Schmit Ford to install a new one.
Thanks,
Dan
Thanks,
Dan
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Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Ventura County, CA
Dan,
I have the exact same problem with my tailgate handle. I have to give it a sharp, concerted-effort upward yank to get it to activate the release and open up. I'm basically just waiting for it to break like yours just did.
But, the reality is.... the mechanism needs to be replaced. The hose clamp is just a bandage and I think we both know that the only way to get the handle to operate properly is to replace it.
Are you sure it'd take the stealership to fix it? It looks like there are some screws that open up the panel outside where the mechanism is. Have you opened it up and looked inside? I haven't yet because I have a bedliner cover over the inside of the tailgate to get past in order to get to the panel. Is it too much for a shadetree mechanic (like me) to repair? Have you priced the replacement part?
Daryl
PS- I'm an hour from heading out for a 1-week vacation, so would you please send me a Private Message (PM) to keep me in the loop on this so I can get back on board when I get back? Thanks, DS
I have the exact same problem with my tailgate handle. I have to give it a sharp, concerted-effort upward yank to get it to activate the release and open up. I'm basically just waiting for it to break like yours just did.
But, the reality is.... the mechanism needs to be replaced. The hose clamp is just a bandage and I think we both know that the only way to get the handle to operate properly is to replace it.
Are you sure it'd take the stealership to fix it? It looks like there are some screws that open up the panel outside where the mechanism is. Have you opened it up and looked inside? I haven't yet because I have a bedliner cover over the inside of the tailgate to get past in order to get to the panel. Is it too much for a shadetree mechanic (like me) to repair? Have you priced the replacement part?
Daryl
PS- I'm an hour from heading out for a 1-week vacation, so would you please send me a Private Message (PM) to keep me in the loop on this so I can get back on board when I get back? Thanks, DS
Last edited by DS02F250; Jul 23, 2005 at 08:44 AM. Reason: P.S.-
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Dallas
remove the panel on the tailgate. The two metal rods that connect the latches to the handle are held at the handle with plastic clips. After time they get slack or whatever and cause the handle to work like crap. All you need to do is open up the little plastic clasps that hold them in place, pull them in a little to tighten the rods back up and shut the clasps back on them. That will fix it. After years i think those little plastic things will need to be replaced, i am finding that mine loosen back up more frequently.
.... It's an easy fix with just some basic tools and knowledge. Good luck!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Replacement handles available at local auto parts store. Less then $10
10 Min repair.
Keep it lubed & the strikers can be adjusted also. If they have been knocked in too far it will make it harder to open the tailgate.
10 Min repair.
Keep it lubed & the strikers can be adjusted also. If they have been knocked in too far it will make it harder to open the tailgate.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Milwaukee
Thanks you guys! I just finished the repair ( unhooking the 2 plastic clips and pulling the rods)!! Total time was about 5 minutes, longest part was removing the bolts! Best part is that since the boss is on vacation I did it on company time! It's a great feeling to work on your own truck and get paid for it.... though I don't know if I'll notice that extra 5 minutes in my next check!
DC-9-32
DC-9-32
