tailgate stuck up

[jack13]

my 87 ranger's tailgate is stuck. I work the handle and it sounds like all the linkage is working. Does anyone know how to get it open wiyhout destroying it?

 

[sfwjesse]

Open the cover on the tailgate and see if the 2 long bars are moving when you pull the handle. Those pull out the piece of metal on either side that sticks into the hole in the metal brackets on the bed. If one of those bars doesnt move, then the gate is still latched. You can grab both the bars and pull them both towards the center and it will do the same thing pulling the handle would.

 

[koda6966]

sfwjesse has it covered. I had the same thing happen to me, one of the bars was bent and the handle rusted out and snapped on that side. I just pulled it back from the inside and wedged it so it wouldn't latch on the left. That way I can still open it, but it stays shut.

 

[kunar]

but a 1st gen tailgate doesnt have an access cover....

you can however use a small pry bar or screw driver and manually unlatch each side at the same time. ive been doing it that way for a while

 

[Ranger Kip]

pull the handle up and get it jammed, and kick it hard, mine is tha same way. wont damage it.

 

[koda6966]

Hm. I had no idea.

 

[sfwjesse]

Lol no cover? I had no clue either. Screw driver it is lol.

 

[mini274]

Torch!!!!!!! Works for everything... And you can cook hotdogs and hamburgers on your tailgate while your at it kill 2 birds with 1 stone suppper and an unlatched gate!!!!!