LMC Tailgate repair kit

[Ranger305]

Anyone used the LMC Tailgate rebuild kit for a 1st/2nd gen truck? Mine hasn't worked in years and that looks like a solid option as I do my rebuild.

 

[ZMan]

You got a link to what you're talking about? What does the kit consist of?

 

[scotts90ranger]

I haven't looked into the kit you talk about but I might be able to help...

You can get the tailgate open with two small screwdrivers from the front edge, just push them from the front into the latch catches, pull the handle some to get the latches most of the way disengaged then push the screwdrivers home, the latch will hold them in place until you pull the tailgate down. I did that for like 3 years until I figured out how easy my problem was to fix... Mine was just barely not disengaging with the handle, for giggles I tried prying the tailgate skin out a little from the handle with a claw hammer and the dang thing started working again...

 

[ZMan]

the rods, handle, and latches end up getting slack in them over the years which eventually leads to the gate not opening. What I did on mine was put a few tack welds on the rod where it "hooks" on the latches, basically making the rods shorter, thus being able to pull the latches far enough to open the gate. Hopefully you understand my explanation.