Anyone replace the parts for the tailgate latch? I think the springs are dead on my latches. Not sure what I'm getting into on how to get the parts in/out.

 

I replaced mine and it works greats.

LMC truck tailgate parts

 

Did you have any trouble getting the rods where they needed to be to connect? Not sure if anything holds them in place when the spring plates are removed.

 

Not that I remember.
I also bought those plastic clips too.

 

Thanks a lot!

 

Be aware that the welded in place internally square nut can break loose. See the R/H one in the pic?

 

To remove mine, when removing the OEM latch mechanisms at the ends, after the first of the square weld nut broke loose, I carefully and precisely as I could, determined and marked the inner tailgate surface for the center of the flat on the side of the square nut, then drilled (3/8" ID holes) into the nut's flat just enough that I could confirm the location and use a bit of weld to weld the nut to the tailgate there, filling the hole just drilled. Carefully avoided welding the bolt too. The weld heat expanded the nut and then the bolt was easily removed.

Didn't do it on my new tailgate, but I come close. If ever I need to undo the bolts, and they seem stuck, I will.

I did coat the threads with nickel anti seize.