Another tailgate adjustment question

[omureebe]

So looking at my tailgate as I try and open it, the driver side unlatches perfectly but the passenger side doesn't unlatch enough (see pics). Is there a rod adjustment or something that would engage the passenger side more?
Thanks!
Omar

 

[EPB72]

In the pictures are u pulling on the handle as in opening the tailgate or is it in the closed position? If closed then the one with the gap i'd suspect has tension on the rod not allowing it to latch all the way ,,have you had the handle assembly apart to see condition of all parts for wear/binding

 

[omureebe]

In the pictures are u pulling on the handle as in opening the tailgate or is it in the closed position? If closed then the one with the gap i'd suspect has tension on the rod not allowing it to latch all the way ,,have you had the handle assembly apart to see condition of all parts for wear/binding

So the first pic is it in the closed position. The second pic in the open position - I'm pulling the handle to full extension.

If I took the same pics on the driver side, I can see the driver side fully opens. But on the passenger side.... just a little and it's a PITA to get open.

Thanks

 

[bknbronco]

take it apart. maybe a bent rod from forcing it previously. not much can go wrong in there. Bent rod would make it shorter so it would pull further though. So my first thought dont make much sense.

maybe you dont have the correct rods in there? maybe something got backyard fabricated years ago. Its preetty simple, here are some schematics.....

https://www.lmctruck.com/1966-77-ford/fbr-1966-77-tailgate-and-components

 

[omureebe]

take it apart. maybe a bent rod from forcing it previously. not much can go wrong in there. Bent rod would make it shorter so it would pull further though. So my first thought dont make much sense.

maybe you dont have the correct rods in there? maybe something got backyard fabricated years ago. Its preetty simple, here are some schematics.....

https://www.lmctruck.com/1966-77-ford/fbr-1966-77-tailgate-and-components

I ended up shimming the passenger side mechanism with a washer and could move the receiving end a bit, and that aligned it out just enough to work - thanks for the replies!