Tailgate handle replacement?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2010
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From: Richmond, VA
Tailgate handle replacement?
My tailgate handle has definitely seen better days. It's rusty and bent and on it's last legs, though it's still functional. I see you can pick up a replacement handle on eBay for pretty cheap. What's involved in replacing the handle? Is it fairly easy? Is it worth my trouble if the present one still works? It's not a huge deal, but I don't want to have to get a tetanus shot ever time I have to open the tailgate 
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 901
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From: South Jersey
They are pretty easy to fix. Careful getting replacements off ebay. I bought the tailgate cables for my truck on ebay and though they fit, I had to do some modification to my tailgate to do it.
Anyway, as far as replacing the handle there are 3 bolts that hold the handle on. I think they are 10mm. When you undo them it will release the handle. Careful taking the handle out cause the rods that attach to the handle do so with crappy little plastic clips. They carry the clips in the Help section of the auto parts store (I got mine at Advance -- but I had to try a couple of different stores. I posted the part # of the box they were in in another thread if you want to do a search of my posts). While you're in there it would probably be a good idea to replace them anyway.
Anyway, as far as replacing the handle there are 3 bolts that hold the handle on. I think they are 10mm. When you undo them it will release the handle. Careful taking the handle out cause the rods that attach to the handle do so with crappy little plastic clips. They carry the clips in the Help section of the auto parts store (I got mine at Advance -- but I had to try a couple of different stores. I posted the part # of the box they were in in another thread if you want to do a search of my posts). While you're in there it would probably be a good idea to replace them anyway.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 901
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From: South Jersey
You shouldn't have to remove the tailgate... there isn't much to disassemble anyway. The only other thing you could do is remove the gate latches on the sides. (These are what the rods connect to). But i wouldn't remove them unless you can't fish the wire to the handle. You may have to get a body to push the latch in so you can get the rod to reach the handle but it should be doable without removing the latches.
Be sure to oil up the handle well before you put it in. When I took mine out it was very difficult to slide. I put some oil on the mechanism and it works good as new now.
Be sure to oil up the handle well before you put it in. When I took mine out it was very difficult to slide. I put some oil on the mechanism and it works good as new now.
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scott weaver
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
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Oct 26, 2016 07:10 AM
