73-87 (91) Fleetside Tailgate Mechanism Repair

[TPISly-C10]

We'd rather revive old threads than have a ton of repeats as we do, thanks for searching.

Maybe one of the latches is hung up. It happens. Do you have the tailgate open yet?

THX for the "how to" look like mine is bended too so a thing to do soon!

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[LateOnTheBrakes]

I bought the replacement handle from LMC to swap out the one I mangled trying to remove. I am amazed by how much travel/slop I have in the handle before it begins to engage the lock mechanisms. It seems like there would have to be a return spring to take up the slop.

 

[scrap--metal]

Thanks for this write up HotRodPC! I followed your tutorial and fixed the tailgate on my K20 last night.

My handle mechanism was frozen solid with the end latches in an open position. Lots of penetrating oil, hammering, lithium grease, and working the mechanism back and forth now have it working like a new tailgate.

Thank you!

 

[Mark80K15]

I just did my tailgate. I used LMC parts. I replaced the tailgate handle (part 38-6622), the latch rods (38-6633), and the left and right latch assemblies (30-1546 and 30-1547). Once the latch assemblies and tailgate handle are roughly in place inside the tailgate, the next step is to insert the latch rods into the handle assembly, as @HotRodPC aptly described: this is the part where you have to hold your mouth just right with patience to insert the rods into the handle cam holes. He says do the left side first (I think because it is less accessible). The right side is harder to do, because the left side is in already. I found that both rods must extend as far to the center of the tailgate as possible, to allow for insertion into the cam holes. What I wanted to point out is that pushing the latch into the latch assembly as far as possible will help achieve this. Use a large screwdriver and jam the latches in (toward the center of the tailgate). This causes the rod to extend closer to the center, and closer to their final resting spot in the cam, thus making it easier to insert the rod into the cam. Now you can unclench. I did, and I feel better now.

But the latches don't engage worth crap, I think because my box sides are wobbly and slightly misaligned. Comes from abusing the box by loading large logs. I think I have bolt problems underneath the box, and if I can solve that, I will add to this post.

 

[Turbo4whl]

I just did my tailgate. I used LMC parts. I replaced the tailgate handle (part 38-6622), the latch rods (38-6633), and the left and right latch assemblies (30-1546 and 30-1547). Once the latch assemblies and tailgate handle are roughly in place inside the tailgate, the next step is to insert the latch rods into the handle assembly, as @HotRodPC aptly described: this is the part where you have to hold your mouth just right with patience to insert the rods into the handle cam holes. He says do the left side first (I think because it is less accessible). The right side is harder to do, because the left side is in already. I found that both rods must extend as far to the center of the tailgate as possible, to allow for insertion into the cam holes. What I wanted to point out is that pushing the latch into the latch assembly as far as possible will help achieve this. Use a large screwdriver and jam the latches in (toward the center of the tailgate). This causes the rod to extend closer to the center, and closer to their final resting spot in the cam, thus making it easier to insert the rod into the cam. Now you can unclench. I did, and I feel better now.

But the latches don't engage worth crap, I think because my box sides are wobbly and slightly misaligned. Comes from abusing the box by loading large logs. I think I have bolt problems underneath the box, and if I can solve that, I will add to this post.

Put a ratchet binder or a come-a-long around the bed sides and pull them back together.

 

[Selo]

Here's one other thing you need to check on the bed sides. The catches where the latches hook. Notice my right side looks to be OK. Compare that to the left side and notice the stop on the left side is worn away. I will be replacing that left catch off of another truck bed I have that's in not such good shape. A 9/16 socket for the 2 bolts is all that's required to replace the catches.

HotRodPC,

I know this is an old thread, but am sending a thanks for this info in case the message gets to you. Very helpful and very appreciated.

Selo

 

[PrairieDrifter]

HotRodPC,

I know this is an old thread, but am sending a thanks for this info in case the message gets to you. Very helpful and very appreciated.

Selo

@HotRodPC

 

[Selo]

My 1984 C10 tailgate mechanism was to the point where opening and closing the tailgate was difficult and I was beginning to bend the handle. Using this thread for inspiration......I removed left and right latches and the handle mechanism. All parts were basically OK but the handle was difficult to move and the portion of the assembly that works the latch rods would hardly move at all. I submerged the handle assembly and both latch assemblies in
Evapo-Rust (great stuff by-the-way). I warmed the Evapo-rust as it doesn't work well below 70F. This removed all surface rust and I was hoping any rust in the pivot points of the handle assembly. It certainly cleaned the rusty parts up nicely (did I say this was good stuff?). After the rust treatment I applied Kroil to the pivot points repeatedly for a day of two. I then worked the assembly pivot points by hand until all moved pretty good. I then applied some light oil to moving points. These parts don't need to feel loose as the springs in the latch assembles are very strong. I sprayed the cleaned latch assemblies with WD40's version of Fluid Film to lubricate and help keep rust at bay when re-installed. I did the same with the handle. I re-installed all and the tailgate now opens and closes like brand new. Smooth and easy to operate, latches securely. Thanks to all, Selo

 

[84GMCSierra]

Great write up! Thanks for posting this.

 

[HotRodPC]

I guess I've missed a few Thank You's not keeping up with this thread. Glad it's helped a few out. Glad to help when and where I can !!! That's what we do here.