tailgate schmehlgate

[wesjones]

My truck is on it's third tailgate due to my dad's drivers ramming the previous one's with our trailer...nice huh...any way, despite the new gate, it has always opperated a little tight...finally on Sat the outer plastic part of the handle cracked and i ordered a ne handle assembly...has anyone ever replaced a tailgate handle before? I imagine in will be a little tricky to get to...any tips are appreciated...

[lancer]

I think there should be an access panel on the inside of the tail gate. Once removed everything should be easy to get at! Good luck

[wesjones]

thanks...i see that now... i just hope it's not sealed with paint or anything...i dont want it to develop rust...

[Rodslinger]

I don't believe it is. I've replaced them on other trucks with no problems.

[lilredpowerstroke]

This might sound a little crazy but my moms 01 f-350 was hard to open as well. One day last year during the hurricane season the power went out and dad had the generator sitting on the tailgate, decided to check the oil (now the crazy part) with the engine running. Needless to say oil spewed everywhere but the tailgate opens beautifully now. It never open easy even brand new, now its like butter.

[lancer]

Either the oil got in and lubed it or the the vibrations from the genny losened everything up. Cool that its fixed. By the way can ya post some of your truck!! I would love to see it!!! Thanks Lancer

[lilredpowerstroke]

As soon as i get some digital pix I'll get them on here. Maybe I'll get a digi for x-mas, then i can take all kind of pix.

[wesjones]

its been like a month now since i fixed the handle...the aftermarket from ebay slipped right in, no problem...the rough opening is still faintly present, i guess that comes from being rammed by idiots so much, i have replaced the catch posts as well to try to remedy the issue.

thanks for advise..

if the problem gets worse again i may have to stoop to a gator net...!

wes