Tailgate Latch/Cowl Cracks

[J DeMaio]

Hey guys:



I have 2 problems. The first is a water leak on the drivers side floor. I took off the kick panel and the water seemed to be coming from under the dash Could cowl cracks allow water in the cab? It's not the foam gasket or the windshield.



Next, my tailgate won't latch. You have to manually pry those little latches down on the tailgate for it to close. I have to use a screwdriver to get it to close and once you open it you can't close it unless you do this. I'm thinking maybe those little latches or a cable inside the tailgate?



Any help would be appreciated.



John

 

[J DeMaio]

Come on guys, I need some replies. I tried to open my tailgate tonight and it wouldn't even open. It doesn't feel like there's any tension on the handle at all. Are there springs or cables inside that control the outside latches? Thanks

 

[GeneH]

John, on the tail gate it sounds like the linkage has come off that goes from the handle out to the latch at each edge of the tail gate. Attached is the assembly diagram from the service manual.



Gene

92 350 4x4

 

[GeneH]

Here is a better view of the handle assembly.



The two clips are used to keep the linkage attached to the handle. This could be where your problem is.



Gene

 

[J DeMaio]

Well Gene:

I tore the tailgate apart and the linkage was hooked up but the parts didn't look good. The handle is completely rusted up and the latches were soaked in grease. I believe 1 doesn't work at all. So, i went to the Dodge dealer and ordered the handle, can you believe it, they had the 2 latches in stock! Handle will be here Tuesday and the total cost is ~ $160. Wasn't hoping to spend that much but it's better than getting another tailgate, painting it to match, and finding out it's also junk.



Thanks for the images.



John

 

[Hutchew]

Check here for your water problems.....

Hey John, I am just kinda throwing out some ideas here. Are you sure it's not coming from around the lower left side of your windshield? I have some pics of this area on my website, and you can see that it would be very easy for water to get in this area IF the weatherstripping and/or sealant were to give out. Second, have you looked at the vent on the kick panel next to your left foot? I would assume, from looking at my 85, that there is a drain of some sort at the bottom of that duct. If it's plugged up, or there is a lot of crud like leaves and dirt, etc it might be making it 'overflow' into the cab. I don't think that cowl cracks, in and of themselves, would cause leakage into the cab. They are generally more apparent in the outside cowl/duct than they are in the cab firewall itself. Hope this helps.

 

[J DeMaio]

Well Hutchew:

Windshield gasket and sealent were just replaced about 4 months ago. It never leaked before and I don't think it is leaking now. There doesn't seem to be any loose spots on the outside around the windshield. I'm not sure where you're talking about with the leaves. I know the foam gasket is good because there was water coming in when i was feeling the gasket. It was dry.



I just thought maybe the cowl cracks because I think I have them. There are noises from the dash and I can somewhat feel them between the door and fender if I feel just right. Wasn't sure if it was possible or not. Also, under my floor isn't wet, it pools up on the outside.



Thanks



John

 

[Hutchew]

Lookee here..........

You might be able to pry up the weatherstripping in this area to see if your 'factory' crack is as big as this one, and then shoot some silicone or the like in and fill it up. This will drain right into the cab if yours is like this... .....

 

[fastmark]

The kick panel gasket on mine was leaking. Take the panel off and it does not leak. It drips down from the cowl an hits the plastic that sticks thru the vent hole. I made a new gasket and it stopped. Sounds like the plastic clips broke on your tailgate to me. I have found that after I take things apart, I can see where they have failed. I very seldom have to buy a new part I can usually fix what is broken a lot cheaper.