broken tailgate

[byrddog]

After unloading the back of the bronco the other day, I closed the tailgate and heard a snap. Now when I pull the handle out, the latch on the passenger side retracts, but the driver's side doesn't. Obviously I broke something in there, so... how the hell do I get it unlatched and how do you get into the tailgate to fix/replace parts? Just looking at it quickly in the dark, I didn't see an easy way to get to the guts of the thing.

thanks,

byrddog

 

[tbrend]

Do a search for "Tailgate Malfunctions"

It is kind of the same thing that happened to me.

 

[jbeyer]

you have to take off trhe handle, the 4 screws on the backing plate, and the 2 bolts on the back. proibably the linkage broke right at the handle. there are 12 long rods that connect the latches to the handle. id bet one of those broke where it attaches to the handle.

 

[HotWheels]

the retining pins probably rusted. replace it and lube it. if you need the parts I got spares.

 

[byrddog]

I'll tear into it this weekend. Thanks for starting me in the right direction. If I need parts I'll definitely let you know.

 

[HotWheels]

I'll tear into it this weekend. Thanks for starting me in the right direction. If I need parts I'll definitely let you know.

We gotta look out for each other....

 

[byrddog]

Took the tailgate apart and found the problem was a broken hairpin/cotter pin. Zero dollar repair. My favorite kind.

Thanks for the help.