Tailgate Repair

[BTRs X]

I purchased a 1992 Ford Ranger and the tailgate won't open when you pull the handle. How do you fix this? Right now I have to use a screwdriver to open it. Thanks.

 

[schmidlkofer]

when you open it do you have to lift tabs on the sides of the tail gate? my dodge had locks on it it was quite strange.... i think ther perosn before me had a cap on it....well then made it a flat bed.

 

[BTRs X]

I have to push in the little tabs on either side of the tailgate to open it..the ones that hold it shut.

 

[Tbars4]

i believe it is a cheap plastic clip piece...you get to it from the bed side of your tailgate...a panel on the tailgate...open it and you will see the faulty piece..it is a plastic piece that goes from the handle and attaches to a rod for the tailgate latch...

 

[BTRs X]

How do you replace it and where can I get it from? Thanks for the help.

 

[Tbars4]

first, verify that is the problem...if it is not it might be and it is rare, the handle itself...the plastic piece and a replacement handle can be picked up at pep boys and i think autozone...the handle is like 20 bucks and the pair of plastic clips i think is a buck...or you could go to a junkyard for the handle...but if it is the plastic, replace all of them, if you have only 2 or if you have 4 pieces...it's cheap and easy...

 

[BTRs X]

Thanks. I just got the truck yesterday and Im going through it right now fixing all the little stuff. Today I fixed the fuel gauge. Tomorrow Im going to fix the tailgate and wax it. Thursday figure out why the 4x4 won't come on. Next week it gets new shocks, replace 1 cab mount, and new tail pipe. Then hopefully Im done for awhile!