Tailgate assembly, 71 Ranger

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May 11, 2000 | 12:21 PM

rofuller

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Tailgate assembly, 71 Ranger

I recently bought a 71 Ranger XLT, it had an old canopy on it which I just got rid of. I've put the tailgate back on, but it slips off the round "hinge" cylinder on the bottom right side when I open the tailgate. It takes a bit of maneuvering to get the tailgate to close and secure again. I'm wondering if there isn't a part missing...the two cylinder hinges go into a corresponding hollow cylinder on either side of the gate. Is there more to this assembly than that (like a spring or rod)? Or is this just a design flaw? Thanks!

May 11, 2000 | 05:54 PM

Nathan

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Tailgate assembly, 71 Ranger

Are you sure this is the correct gate and hinges for your truck? Are the bed sides spread apart from the original location?

Nathan

May 11, 2000 | 07:20 PM

jowilker

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Tailgate assembly, 71 Ranger

I agree with Nate, I thought that the side still had the folding flat arms in 71.

John
jowilker

66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.

May 11, 2000 | 08:39 PM

rofuller

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Tailgate assembly, 71 Ranger

I'm sure it's the original tailgate, it's the same color as the truck (2-tone: winter green (a very pale green that Ford hasn't used for years according to local dealer)and wimbleton white), has a fake wood grain center piece nearly as wide as the tailgate, with "FORD" in chrome letters. The folding hinges are flat brackets, so maybe I am using the wrong terms. The things I'm talking about are round, about 3" in diameter, have a small hole in the center, and are what the tailgate "rotates" on when opening/closing it. They're at the bottom of the tailgate and attach to the chassis itself, then they seat in a corresponding cavity in the bottom sides of the tailgate. Sorry, I know this is not the best description...

May 11, 2000 | 08:59 PM

BigBrownTruck

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Tailgate assembly, 71 Ranger

I've had the gate off of my 76 and my 69, both seem to work the same. The only difference is how the latch operates. I don't think you are missing any parts. Can you shim the "male" part that is attached to bed to close the gap?

BBT

May 11, 2000 | 11:08 PM

Nathan

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Tailgate assembly, 71 Ranger

Does your gate have a factory notch in the right hinge "socket" that allows for removal of the gate? Do the pivot points seem to be the correct size for the socket? Ford used two different sizes in different years. Maybe you have the wrong pivots. Most older Fords ive seen, you had to remove one pivot from the bed side to remove the gate. What a pain.Thats why I dont understand that yours just falls out.

Nathan

May 12, 2000 | 04:42 AM

jowilker

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Tailgate assembly, 71 Ranger

Nate I have always just loosened one side and lifted it up with the gate down, and the length would will quickly grow faster than the gate and out it comes.

For those that haven't done it, lift the side arms and start to close the gate. The hole at the top will aline and you can pull it off, repeat the other side. At this point the gate can be lowered to the bumber. Loosen the two nuts on one of the hinges, raise that side and the gate is off.

John
jowilker

66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.