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Tailgate wont open need clarification


progolfer1

Active Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2015
Messages
36
City
Hickory NC
Vehicle Year
1988
Transmission
Manual
My credo
Measure 4 times then cut it anyway
My tailgate wont open. Passenger side latch wont move. I am aware I need to remove the 8 screws on the back of the tailgate . That will then remove the chrome panel on the outside of the gate . Is there another panel to remove after that one comes off ? When I try to open the gate the passenger side barely moves. So one can assume there is a bind some place. Other side works ok. Since I have it open (hopefully) should I replace all I can so I wont have to do it again? Parts readily available at parts stores ? Or Junkyard visit?
Thanks
 
i had the same problem with mine. i sprayed the shit out of it with PB Blaster (handle and release) and worked them and now it works great... try that before you take anything apart or spend money...
 
removing that panel won't get you access to anything. that only works on the newer models with the removable panel on the inside of the tailgate opposite the handle.

As Gary suggested spray it down good with some penetrant and work it some, should free up and go to working like proper. May need to use a screwdriver and manually work the latch a bit.
 
I agree with the above...mine was gummed up with something and I managed to free it up to the point where it worked like new...but then I changed it out for a newer tailgate (came with the 92 box) because I did what you did and couldn't get mine back together the way I wanted it...
 
Just hit it harder.
 
The only way I can get my tailgate to open is to carry around two small screwdrivers and go from the inside of the tailgate and open each side individually... it's getting old buy my latches are loose on the tailgate so it'll require some welding...
 
The only way I can get my tailgate to open is to carry around two small screwdrivers and go from the inside of the tailgate and open each side individually... it's getting old buy my latches are loose on the tailgate so it'll require some welding...

I had to do this for a while too. What I did was take the whole handle out, soak it in some kind of penetrant/oil for a while (24hrs-2days) and spray the latches several times while the hand was soaking. Let it dry. Put it back together and everything has working fine since.
 
I took it all apart and took handle soaked it a bit then sprayed it till it drowned and then put some graphite grease on it and put it back together. Works like new now.
 

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