91 Ranger Tailgate Latch

[westerman_lucas]

I have a 91 Ranger and the tailgate latch works, but takes lots of wiggling to actually fully open. I attempted to service it but I do not have any sort of service port to get inside like I saw on many other models. Is there a way to service my tailgate latch?

 

[Curious Hound]

Perhaps unbolt the latch handle and pull it out of the hole? Then you could lubricate the pivot points and make adjustments if needed. Also lube the sliding latches at each end of the tailgate, just by squirting some lube on them and cycle them in and out a few times.

 

[superj]

those three top bolts in your tailgate picture should be the ones holding your handle in place so undo those and pull it out. you probably are missing those little plastic round deals on the latch where the rods go in so there is slop in the rods making it a pain to open.

 

[westerman_lucas]

Perhaps unbolt the latch handle and pull it out of the hole? Then you could lubricate the pivot points and make adjustments if needed. Also lube the sliding latches at each end of the tailgate, just by squirting some lube on them and cycle them in and out a few times.

Ok. Thanks. I was hoping I’d be able to access it easier. Thanks!

 

[westerman_lucas]

those three top bolts in your tailgate picture should be the ones holding your handle in place so undo those and pull it out. you probably are missing those little plastic round deals on the latch where the rods go in so there is slop in the rods making it a pain to open.

Yeah I think that too. I was mostly looking to see if there was an easier way to access it than from the latch hole.

 

[SenorNoob]

I have to lube mine up about once a month or it get be nearly unusable. My tailgate is due for replacement. It it seriously bent and rusty.