Tailgate Latch Problems

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Mar 29, 2010 | 05:40 PM

Mr. Green Jeans

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Tailgate Latch Problems

On my '77 F-100 the latch rod on drivers side is not connected to latch. I've searched forum and found plenty of info. on clips at the handle, but how do you re-connect at the latch end? Tailgate is currently up in closed position and wont open.

Mar 29, 2010 | 09:02 PM

radar457

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From: western ks

Use a big screw driver or small pry bar and wedge the tail gate away from the bed (as gentley as you can) and get another screw driver and pry the spring loaded latch out of the slot and open tail gate. The latch side of the rod connects to the latch in a fish hook fashion. You will need to take the 3 bolts out of the latch where it bolts to the side of the tailgate and pull the latch out , then you will see the rod and how it connects. Likley the rod is broken, they dont often come off the latch side if they are not. Put rod back on latch and reinsert latch, bolt up, then connect rod on handle..

Mar 29, 2010 | 10:50 PM

70 Bronco TX

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From: Canyon, TX

You should also know that on the side latches, the three bolts that hold it on, have square nuts embedded in the side of the tailgate...one or more may fall back in the tailgate. Two of the three on each side aren't a big deal, but one is a bit farther in and just beyond finger reach. (Only took me a few minutes to figure out how to get it set in there again, but just keep this all in mind.)

Also, as you are taking the bolts out, if the nut dislodges you have to "pull" the bolt (really the latch mechanism) as you loosen. Otherwise the bolt will just spin.

I did this last week

All went pretty well and the latch works again.