Need info on tailgate latch access

[Motorhead]

My neighbor has a nice '92 first gen 4x4, club cab. The latch on the right side of the tailgate won't release when you lift the center tailgate release. My third gen has an access panel to get into the guts of the tailgate. His does not. How do you get into there to check things out? Is there something that fails in the latch? Thanks for any info.

 

[Paychk]

The only access is the hole where the handle is. If you're lucky what has happened is one of the latch rods has fallen off of the center handle, this can be seen by looking up into the handle. If that is the case, pull the loose rod to the center of the gate, while at the same time operate the tailgate handle. If the latch end of the rod fell off, not sure how to go about getting the latch to open in that case.

 

[dodgenstein]

At each end of the tailgate on the inside is a rectangular access slot behind the latch. In the bottom of this slot is a small tab sticking out. While lifting the handle use a small screwdriver or your finger to lift this tab. This will release the latch on the respective end of your tailgate. After you get the tailgate open, you first remove the three phillips head screws that secure the handle. Then drop the handle out of its recess to get to the rods. After removing the rod retaining clips the latches can be removed from the ends of the tailgate. Often the sheetmetal tabs that the rods attach to on the outboard end get bent and a slight straightening is required. Straighten as required, check the plastic rod holders, lube and reassemble.

 

[Motorhead]

Thanks guys!