I took the non working tailgate apart today on the 86 F-150 I bought. I found 2 problems. One is the same plastic clip broken that happens to almost everybody. I saw in a few threads they are sometimes in the HELP section but I checked that section at Autozone, Pep Boys, and Advance and came up empty. There was a version of the clip in an assortment pack but it was almost double the size as the one I pulled from the tailgate. I saw that maybe Napa has them so I'll give them a whirl tomorrow but I'm not holding my breath. If it comes up empty there I'll order online from one of the sites.

Second problem and slightly more seriousness because I haven't found any type of an alternative on here. One of the latches that sits inside the tailgate I noticed wasn't bolted in right. As you know, there's 2 bolts that hold the latch into the tailgate itself. I took it apart and discovered the reason is because one of the nuts is missing for the bolt. The latch assembly bolts connect to nuts that are square shaped and fit into square cutout holes in the tailgate. My question is, what are those square nuts called or where can I find them? I only need 1 but would like a couple more for backup.

If you don't know what I mean let me know and I'll post a picture.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashclash

If it comes up empty there I'll order online from one of the sites.

The Pep Boys near me has a fairly decent HELP selection, and they also have
their (HELP's) catalog out in the aisle, you can look up your part and they can
get it for ya.

I think I read here once that the Parts Dept. at your local Ford dealer may
have 'em, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashclash

If you don't know what I mean let me know and I'll post a picture.

I think I know what you're trying to describe but pix are nice.

In any event, take one of the bolts with you to a hardware store (not a home
improvement store, a la Home Depot) and ask the guys if they have something
that'd work for you.

 

Here's some pics:

 

An auto body shop might be able to help ya, too. But I'd first try a decent hardware store.

I wonder if your lost nut is down inside your tailgate someplace....

 

That is what would be called a stake nut. At the stamping plant, they smash it into the plate to retain it. You won't find them in the general hardware store. You will be better off just welding it back into the plate, or welding another nut on the plate.

 

I was hoping it was rolling around in the tailgate myself but I came up empty.... just some dirt and a little rust.

 

Prolly every Ford & L/M dealer carries this clip, when one considers how many vehicles/years used the same one.

E6AZ5421952A (replaced: E3TZ1021952C & D4TZ1021952A & D4AZ6521952A) .. Tailgate Rod to Handle Clip / Available from Ford.

Fits 1974/96 F100/350, F(Super Duty) / 1997 F350 (F Super Duty).

Also used as a door lock cylinder rod clip on a gazillion different passenger cars/trucks from 1974 thru today.

Also used on Rangers, Bronco II's, Explorers, Bronco's, Econolines and etc for various applications.

MSRP: $0.93 // FTE sponsor PARTSGUYED.COM price: $0.67.
----------------------------------------------------------
The "blind nut" the OP needs was only sold with the tailgate handle assy. It was available separately beginning in 1987, but it's not the same.

Automotive paint supply stores, where body shops buy their supplies usually have nuts like this.

 

I had the nut come off my old Ranger, but it fell into the tailgate. I had a method figured out to use a finger to hold the nut in place, and start one bolt, then pivot the latch up to start the other bolt. But, I got lucky, and found a used tailgate on craigslist for $40.
Boneyard or hardware store for matching threads. All you need is for it to stay there while you tighten the bolt. Any good adhesive would take the place of 'staking'. I remember there was something different about the nuts, and I was able to finagle it into place enough, and it stayed long enough to start the bolt as above.
tom

 

Update.

So I drove the truck home from my parents house today. There is an advance right down teh street from me so I'd figure I'd give that one a shot since others have said they've seen the clips there. Well, turns out they did have the clip!!! In case anyone ever comes across this thread in the future it's in the Help section. It's a Dorman part # 75450. There is a clip in there that is identical and another one that looks close enough to use also. So excited!


As for the nut I stopped at home depot and picked up a regular hex nut and some fender washers. Hopefully I'll be able to rig something up.

 

Was looking for solutions on "spun" stake nuts and ran across this old thread. I was working on replacing the tailgate cables on my 1981 F-250 and destroyed both of them on the passenger side.





Figured I'd tack a nut to a fender washer and then tack the washer to the back of the holes. Has anybody tried this? Maybe have an easier solution?

What thread will the nut need to be?

Also, is there a part number for the two bolts that attach the latch to the tailgate? I know that they are different from one another as one has a thicker "neck" for the tailgate cable










Thanks in advance,
Russ

 

1980/82 used a steel bracket assembly for the tailgate latch and not cables, so you are confusing people here....

 

Good catch! The truck is 1981. Not sure what year the tailgate is. Should have mentioned that in the question as I was wondering if that was not the case.

If anybody has any ideas, let me know!

 

For the 2 x bolts that attach the latch to the tailgate. The one with the "bigger neck" for the tailgate cable would be #14 (40-0283), Correct?






The other latch bolt, without the cable, would be #12 (40-0277), Correct?





Then, to make my repairs, I would just need to know the nut thread type to get.

Thanks!

 

Good information; I have a troublesome bottom rod clip on my tailgate. It falls out sometimes and it doesn't pull the drivers side out.

I'll know what to look for next time I'm in the auto parts place.