@wildbill23c On my '84 Ranger the tailgate release rods were held onto the latch arms by the plastic pieces. I tried these:
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(Dorman 75451) which were the closest aftermarket replacements for this type that I could find, but these are listed for later model Fords, They didn't hold up at all; the arm thickness or hole size may be different on earlier models.
Here is what I end up using instead on my Ranger (and these are holding up well), which are metal throttle rod clips:
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Most parts stores carry these clips individually, but the Dorman 41016 pack has three sizes, and includes one each in LH and RH. I cut thin slices of plastic tubing to make bushings for the rod ends (fills the gap in the arm holes where the original clips' "fingers" were), and I squeezed the new clip retainer tabs so it clipped onto the rods real tight. I think I used 4mm pneumatic tubing to make the bushings; simple slice with a razor knife, the thickness of the arm, and they worked perfectly.
I also remember an article somewhere on replacing the original B2 handle with an Explorer handle, but I can't find it either. I used these clips on my Ranger gate; my B2 rear latch still works so it's still original. I don't think that a Ranger gate latch handle will work on a B2; it mounts to the inner wall and requires a large rectangular hole in the outer wall sheet metal. I'm sure that whatever fix you come up with will be better than the original setup. Good luck!
P.S.- Please try to forgive those know not the way of the B2, for they are still lost in the wilderness.