Tailgate lock

[Ford06xlt]

Tailgate lock

We all know our Ranger tailgates can be dropped, snipped (load bearing cables), and removed in a matter of 30 seconds...to be pawned off for easy money by the tailgate thief. This easy and inexpensive modification will have them scratching their heads.

Expenses- Under $10.00

Estimated labor- Under one hour

Materials- Metal hose clamp
- JB Weld twin tub mix
(optional)

Tools- Flathead screwdriver
or nut driver
- stick (mix JB Weld)
- Dremel
with cutting blade bit

Operation
-Drop tailgate

- Apply hose clamp to RIGHT SIDE/ PASSENGER SIDE of tailgate mount arms.

-Tighten the hose clamp bolt as tight as possible.

Dremel Operation
-Use Dremel with cutting blade bit to shear off the head of the hose clamp bolt.

This will make the hose clamp bolt an "odd ball" shape, and near impossible to remove in an in & out attempt to steal.

JB Weld Application
- Use an equal generous amount of the JB Weld twin tubes (weld & hardener) with a stick.

- Scoop a glob of mixed JB weld with stick.

-Apply over hose clamp bolt.

-This will dry in 8-10 hrs
(You will be able to operate your
Ranger while this dries)

Conclusion
You now have a tailgate lock, and your mind can be set at ease while your Ranger is parked.

 

[Ford06xlt]

I will post pictures of this operation when I figure it out...new member.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Pictures -> http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82293

 

[exbass94]

So, this makes it a huge pain in the butt to remove the tailgate? What happens when you, the owner of the truck, have to remove the tailgate?

 

[sblake01]

The previous owner of the Ranger I have now put what appears to be the commercial version of what you're describing on it. It comes off easily with the 'key' when you need to remove the tailgate:

Expenses- Under $19.99 + tax

Estimated labor- Under five minutes

http://www.mcgard.com/index.php/automotive-2/tailgate-lock

 

[Ford06xlt]

That's awesome. I didn't have knowledge that somebody produced one.