Tailgate Adjustment '87 Ranger?

[Rev]

The tailgate on my '87 Ranger gets stuck. Is there an adjustment?

 

[ZMan]

the handle actually gets worn over the years, mine was having a problem not pulling the rods enough to release it. What I had to do was build the metal back up on the handle where the rod connects to it with weld, works perfectly now!

 

[Rev]

Thanks for the tip...I've taken the assembly apart and will check it out. I've also ordered OEM replacement parts for the whole deal (handle, latches and cables).

 

[armyets2003]

I just took the rods out going to the latches and shortened them up a bit. 3 years and still works great.

Shawn

 

[AllanD]

actually it's usually more effective to adjust the striker "loops" on either side outwards

But either technique can work.

AD

 

[Dusty_Ranger]

or just take the handles out and get ur hand in the tailgate and bend the metel cables like 45 degress or as much as necesary

 

[AllanD]

The problem with bending the rods is that they tend to bend straight.

and often the reason why the tailgate sticks in the closed position is because the end plates of the tailgate are busted loose from the front and rear skin of the tailgate.

DO NOT unlatch your tailgate and let it "drop" to the limit of the support cables

Doing so WILL break the tailgate.

AD

 

[Rev]

While waiting for the replacement parts I tried a little mod. Basically I bent the handle plates on each side to shorten the travel of the bars. That worked OK.

I installed the new handle and everything works like it's supposed to now.