Loose tailgate

[garycroix]

Hello everyone. 72 Ranger. Tailgate latches fine, but I can pull it open if I pull on it, and not that hard either. It has jarred open several times also. Is there some way to adjust something to stop this, or do I need to buy an external hasp?

G

[FORDification]

Well, I'd say if you can pull it open, it's not latching fine. You need to find out what's keeping the latch teeth (on the ends of the tailgate) from engaging into the bracket on the bed sides. Just look in the crack between the tailgate and bed ends when you push the tailgate shut, and see if the tailgate teeth are making it back all the way to the bracket...and if so, if the teeth engage all the way into the bracket.

Please do not drill holes and install anything to hold the tailgate shut.

[garycroix]

It does latch, and I can gently tug on the tailgate and it is fine, but a strong yank and it pops open. Or just a good bump in the road and it opens. I'll check it out more tomorrow to make sure the latch teeth go fully into the brackets. When I look at the angle cut of the tooth, I don't see how it can just pop out. But maybe the teeth aren't going all the way in, I just think they are.

[71-F-250SC-72-F-250C]

I am also having the exact same problem, It first started when I hit a big bump on a old road one night, ever since then it has fell on a hard bump and I can pull it open. Let me know what you find out.


Stephen

[granitestate68]

Just a thought. Can you bend the tailgate brackets in towards the tailgate? that would give you more strength when hitting a bump or pulling it hard. The springs on the latch may be giving out too. I may have an extra set after I get mine on if you're interested.

Lee

[willowbilly3]

Keeping those latch pawls greased up good makes a big difference in how well they work. If they are fully extending into the latch plates there isn't much chance of them unlatching by themselves.

[garycroix]

Hmm. Greasing up the lathches, good idea. I'll check it out. Granite, sure, I'm interested. Not too sure how to put them on though.

Gary