Tailgate Latch Question
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Reidsville, NC
Tailgate Latch Question
OK, so I finally broke down and ordered a new latch for the old girl ('84 F150, 4X4, 351W, Holley 4bbl) and ordered new latch rods as well. Turns out the rods were fine, so all I needed was the latch itself. However, after putting the new one on (A PITA, BTW) and getting it all hooked up, she STILL "pops" loose when I pull up on the latch sometimes. If I gently pull up, careful to not pull too hard, it will usually release both sides fine. But, I still find the pin will pop over the arm on the latch sometimes, meaning I have to essentially bang it back to try again.
Did I just buy a cheap lever (same as the OEM and I got it from Blue Oval) or is it just a bad design? Is there another lever system that will fit this truck that works better that won't set me back a ton of money? It is a work truck and not a major deal, but it is still aggravating.
Thanks!
Did I just buy a cheap lever (same as the OEM and I got it from Blue Oval) or is it just a bad design? Is there another lever system that will fit this truck that works better that won't set me back a ton of money? It is a work truck and not a major deal, but it is still aggravating.
Thanks!
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Reidsville, NC
I assume you mean on the ends of the rods? Yes, I do. The pin that comes down as you pull up on the lever, pushing the arm down and forcing the two pieces connected to the rods seems to be the issue. Unless there is some other piece that didn't come with the new lever, I can't figure it out.
Like I said, the pin on the lever arm is supposed to push down on the arm to pull the rods inward. It does work, so long as you don't pull up to far, at which time the pin goes beyond the arm and has to be forced back above the arm to try it all over again.
Frankly, it looks like a design flaw to me, which is why I wonder if there is another model latch mechanism that would work better. I think I already know the answer, but thought I would ask anyway.
Or, if there is another model that has a tailgate that I cold pull from a boneyard and put another latch on. I am open to suggestions.
Like I said, it isn't a big deal because I CAN at least now open it, I just have to be real easy with it.
Like I said, the pin on the lever arm is supposed to push down on the arm to pull the rods inward. It does work, so long as you don't pull up to far, at which time the pin goes beyond the arm and has to be forced back above the arm to try it all over again.
Frankly, it looks like a design flaw to me, which is why I wonder if there is another model latch mechanism that would work better. I think I already know the answer, but thought I would ask anyway.
Or, if there is another model that has a tailgate that I cold pull from a boneyard and put another latch on. I am open to suggestions.
Like I said, it isn't a big deal because I CAN at least now open it, I just have to be real easy with it.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 116
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From: Reidsville, NC
Clips are new on one rod, old, but good condition on the other. Rods are rusty, but in pretty good shape. Area around the opening has normal wear for a 24 year old truck, but nothing too bad. Bolt holes are in great shape and the tailgate itself has no dents or deformities.
I have not adjusted anything, but wasn't aware adjustments were possible. I ordered new rods for it when I got the new latch, but didn't put them in because the others were in pretty good shape. I did lube up everything, which seemed to help, but it will still slip past the lever at times.
I don't know if I will fool with it too much, as it works, just not great. I may fool with it some other time and see if I can make it better.
Thanks for the help!
I have not adjusted anything, but wasn't aware adjustments were possible. I ordered new rods for it when I got the new latch, but didn't put them in because the others were in pretty good shape. I did lube up everything, which seemed to help, but it will still slip past the lever at times.
I don't know if I will fool with it too much, as it works, just not great. I may fool with it some other time and see if I can make it better.
Thanks for the help!
