08 tailgate stuck

[gr8outdoorzman]

I just got my 08 tailgate with step installed. the tail gate was hard to shut so i gave it a good slam. and then went to go open it back up. it's stuck. i can see inside, and the mechinism is moving a little bit. But i don't think its moving enough though. at least it doesn't look like it to me. the non expert. If the PO had accidentaly locked it befoe selling it. the handle wouldn't move at all. Correct?

Any thoughts on whats going on here.

[7.3monster99]

the handle does move when its locked, it just dosent move the internal parts..

[JSchuricht]

Could be that it's locked or something is bent inside. Just went through that with my 00 gate, should be similar. In either case you will need to remove the 8 torx screws for the access panel. You should see a lever that the lock mechanism moves up and down. The lever changes the pivot point for the swivel that connects the two rods together keeping it from moving when the handle is pulled. You should be able to remove the bolts holding on the handle and manipulate the mechanism manually.

[gr8outdoorzman]

Well got it worked out. it took some gentle prying on the mechanism inside. but it worked and then after some adjustment on the strikers. i figured out that the strikers were to high. Thew i was worried.

now i have looked at the tailgate on the truck and everything works the way its suppose to. i discovered that the plastic cover on the passenger side top. its plastic clip is broken. does anyone know what the part number is for that.with the side plastic thumb screws thinger micbobbers, and torque screw going through it i know it won't blow off. but it kinda rattles around which is anoying and its not tight when i put my hand on it to lift or lower the tailgate. so if anyone could tell me what the part number is so i could order a new one. i would appreciate it.