96 ranger tailgate stuck
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Joined: Nov 2006
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I had a similiar problem on my '90. I would have to pull the lever and look in the crack between the tailgate and the box, I would then jam a screwdriver in to help the metal lip over the latch. It used to be just one side, but then ended up being both.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
I've had a similar problem with my 99's tailgate sticking last year.
If you can't get something thin in there to help the latch move, as suggested above, try spraying something paint safe, like WD-40 in there & see if it'll loosen the corrosion up enough for you to get it open.
If it's a problem with the mechanicals in the tailgate, then remove the access panel & go at it from inside.
My problem was an ever so light coating of rust , where the tail gate tongue latch engaged it's retainer cutout. I cleaned it up & lubed it with some marine grade moly grease, that won't wash out, haven't had a problem since!!!!
Let us know what you find.
If you can't get something thin in there to help the latch move, as suggested above, try spraying something paint safe, like WD-40 in there & see if it'll loosen the corrosion up enough for you to get it open.
If it's a problem with the mechanicals in the tailgate, then remove the access panel & go at it from inside.
My problem was an ever so light coating of rust , where the tail gate tongue latch engaged it's retainer cutout. I cleaned it up & lubed it with some marine grade moly grease, that won't wash out, haven't had a problem since!!!!
Let us know what you find.
Last edited by pawpaw; May 26, 2007 at 01:23 PM. Reason: I can't spell check
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Use a screwdriver to open your tailgate. Just look down in between the edge of the tailgate and the bed, and you should be able to push it in to get it open.
Once open, remove the screws and the tailgate panel. Once that's removed you'll see the linkage and all that. It's possible that either the lever itself is broke, or one of the plastic clips that attach the linkage to the lever has either popped off or broke. It might just be a matter of snapping it back in place. Make sure you lube everything up real well while you're in there.
Good luck.
Once open, remove the screws and the tailgate panel. Once that's removed you'll see the linkage and all that. It's possible that either the lever itself is broke, or one of the plastic clips that attach the linkage to the lever has either popped off or broke. It might just be a matter of snapping it back in place. Make sure you lube everything up real well while you're in there.
Good luck.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Had the same problem with my 96 B3000. Opened up the access panel, and one of the plastic linkage parts inside had snapped. It was five or six years ago, so I don't remember exactly what I replaced it with. I do remember replacing it with something stronger than plastic, and something I had laying around the shop.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Higginsville, MO
Take off the access panel on the tailgate, you will need some torx bits to do this. Use a good grease like a spray moly or lithium grease. Open the tailgate from the access panel and work the grease in.
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Joined: May 2007
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Thanks for the help!
It turned out to be the nylon or plastic carriage piece that attaches to the handle and the connecting rods. I haven't decided what I'm going to use to fix it but It won't be plastic. I think I may use a metal corner brace ("L" shaped bracket) that will last. I tried laying one in place and it looks like it will work. I should be able to bolt it to the handle mechanism and run the rod through the hole in the verticle part of the "L" bracket. I'll let you know how it works.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
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Joined: May 2007
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tailgate fixed
I replaced both of the nylon /plastic "carriage bolts" with a 1" x 1" Stanley "L" shaped metal corner brace. I had to drill out one hole to 1/4 inch so the pull rod would slide through. The 1" brace fix perfectly allowing about 3/8" of the rod through the hole - just enough for a lock nut. I put lithium grease on all the moving parts and it works as smooth as butter. Thanks!
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