tailgate problems

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Ok, be gentle, I am new at this. I bought a 93 250 4x4 about 6 months ago. Whoever had it before me, took great care of it and beefed it up a lot.

So, my question is, my tailgate latch stopped working. The right side will not release. I tried to figure out how to get into the mechanisms but haven't been able to do so. Any hints? Is this a common problem? I can open the right side by manually moving the lever but the handle doesn't move it at all.

Thanks!
E

 

[Archive]

More than likely the right latch rod going to the handle assembly has become disconnected or broken. You should be able to take the handle off from the inside of the tailgate and see what is going on. I believe there are probably 3 or 4 mounting screws - I have a tailgate protective cover on mine so I am not sure. You may also want to check a service manual at you library or with the parts department of your nearest Dodge Dealership.

Cheers,
Al

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92-LE,Cummins,Tach,4x4,5spd,3. 54,Borgeson steering shaft,

 

[Archive]

Hey EBeetle!

Welcome aboard the First Gen Forum!

I don't have the fix for you but I feel your pain!

My '92 W-250 has this exact problem with the right latch and I agree with Al when he says it's a lock rod problem. My problem is that my bed & tailgate has been Rhino Lined and I would have to cut it away to get to the access panel on the inside of the tailgate. I have just learned to live with the inconvinence and now consider it to be my "Theft Prevention Device"! If they can't open it they can't have it.

We also have another '92 W-250 in the family that has 2 operating latched & lock rods but the handle sticks in the open position and must be manually returned to allow the latches to operate normally and for the tailgate to latch.

Do you have any corrosion on the outside vertical edge of the tailgate to bed side opening (about halfway down)? Both of our trucks have this factory feature also!

If you have access to the panel remove the few screws and poke around in there a bit!

Good luck... ... ... . Keeno

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1992 W250 5spd. 3. 54 gears, LSD, JRE enhanced VE Injector Pump, BD High Output Injectors, Banks "Stinger Plus" consisting of a replaced 12cm2 wastegated housing, 3 1/2" JRE modified exhaust/muffler, pyro/boost gages, K&N, Skyjacker 2 1/2" front suspension lift to clear 305/70R/16 Goodyear MT's, Mag-Hytec, Amsoil, Rhino liner, Fully Chrominated Aluminum Aftermarket Accessory T-handle Shift Knob

 

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Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be brave and take the handle mechanism off. I am always worried that I'll never get it all back together! I agree that it does make it harder to break into the back, but I usually have my dogs with me!

E

 

[Archive]

EBeedle, I have had the same problem with every Dodge PU I ever had sooner or later. There is a plastic clip that holds the metal rod to the latch mechanism on both ends. These plastic clipsget old and break. Go to the Dodge house and tell the guy what has happened and I'll bet,if he's not new, that he will know exactly what you need. Like I say it's common problem and you can fix it yourself with a little looking at it closely. They have been using the same clips for a long long time on those door latches. Good luck it's no big deal, really.