Self locking tailgate

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Jul 17, 2007 | 08:06 PM

F350-6

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From: Texas

Self locking tailgate

My tailgate keeps vibrating itself locked when I drive over bumpy roads. Since I don't want to move anyone know how to fix this. I've taken the cover off the inside of the tailgate and adjusted the latch several times but it still locks itself about 70% of the time.

Jul 18, 2007 | 09:54 PM

truckeemtnfords

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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH

One suggestion I can think of would be to remove the latch/lock assenbly and there should be a lever that pivot on basically a rivet. Support one side, say on a vise or anvil and use a ball peen hammer or a flat round punch to flatten the rivet thus making it tighter. I have done this on several items like the the tailgate latch/lock assembly with great results. Of course start off with light blows or you will basically rivet it solid and it wont pivot. It will take a little more effort to lock it, but it sounds like that is what you want. Good Luck.

Semper Fi! 1371 MOS

Jul 19, 2007 | 08:22 AM

Biggziff

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From: Upstate, NY

How about installing one of the remote, electric locking kits for the tailgate? The solenoid should keep it from unlocking.

Jul 19, 2007 | 05:07 PM

truckeemtnfords

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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH

I agree the electric lock would fix the problem, as I have one on my truck, but the cheapest fix is to tighten the rivet so it does not move so easily.

Jul 19, 2007 | 05:29 PM

F350-6

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From: Texas

I didn't know you could even get an electric lock for the tailgate. How is it wired in? How does it affect removing your tailgate. I take the tailgate off kinda regular to load the truck with a forklift.

Jul 19, 2007 | 05:53 PM

truckeemtnfords

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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH

I bought my kit from Summit Racing and installed in about 1.5 hrs. It has a plug at the rear near the tailgate so you can unplug it and remove the gate like normal. As far as wiring you drop the wire out of the bottom of the tailgate and run the supplied harness along the frame, through the firewall and the two wires splice into the factory door lock wires below the door sill plate on the driver's side. The tailgate locks when the doors lock so your tailgate can't be removed by thiefs. It unlocks with a double push of the remote, or one push of the door mounted swicth, just like the extra doors on the truck. Nice piece of mind knowing some turd just can't walk up and steal you tailgate.

Jul 19, 2007 | 07:00 PM

F350-6

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From: Texas

I have that security now. I can't even steal my tailgate without going and getting my keys. There was a miscommunication with my dealer so I have aftermarket remote locks on my doors which have lately seemed to eat their batteries pretty quickly. I'm having to unlock my doors about 30% of the time with the key and about 75% of the time on my tailgate.

If it's wired into the remote on the doors I think I'll pass on that option and try playing with the rivet. I think I'll order that keypad on the door of my next truck. I used to think that was kind of stupid but am really warming up to the idea now.