Tailgate won't open!!
 

I just got my truck, and have spent all my time at the front end and underneath. I discovered that the tailgate won't open, and suspect that the mechanism needs to be lubed. How do I go about getting it opened so I can commence to lubin'? Thanks for any help you can give.

"Quadzilla"
'95 F350 Crew Cab 4X4 PSD.
35" tires on 10" rims.
(Thank God for a wife
that likes big trucks.)

Tailgate won't open!!
 

You may have to undo the tailgate handle so that you can get to the rod actuators themselves. Maybe a pull with some vise-grips on each one. Or mainly so you can see what's goin' on in there. Somtimes a rod can fall off or get bent out of shape. Also helps if you push on your tailgate while lifting the handle. Relieves tension.

Now, I had to do this with many ch*vy's. I may not work on your but I can't imagine the design being too far off.

Once open, I would recommend "penetrating grease" not WD-40. (Use that first) The grease sprays like WD-40 but sets up nice and gooey. I love the stuff. You should be able to find it at a good auto parts store. I use the ZEP brand...

Tailgate won't open!!
 

Thanks, Monsta. Once the sun comes up, I'll try that.

"Quadzilla"
'95 F350 Crew Cab 4X4 PSD.
35" tires on 10" rims.
(Thank God for a wife
that likes big trucks.)

Tailgate won't open!!
 

but, is it locked? :-)

DaleL

Tailgate won't open!!
 

I don't think the '95's had locking tailgates...but that was MY first thought!:-X04

Tailgate won't open!!
 

I seem to remember my '93 F150 having a plastic clip that didn't always hold onto the latch rod the way it was supposed to. Mine never broke, but I've heard of some that did.

Tailgate won't open!!
 

I got it open, and got her all lubed up. Mine doesn't have a lock on it, it was just that the latch mechanism on the right side was stuck. After a fair amount of shakin' and bangin' it finally came open. Thanks for your help.

"Quadzilla"
'95 F350 Crew Cab 4X4 PSD.
35" tires on 10" rims.
(Thank God for a wife
that likes big trucks.)

Tailgate won't open!!