Tailgate not closing flush.

[wizardsrevenge]

Hi all,

just got my Scout back after many years. The tailgate is not closing flush at the top half for some reason and I can't figure it out. I tried adjust the lock pins but still end up with the tailgate sticking out about 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch. I can push the tailgate in further but it springs back.

When I close the gate there are two lock points, seems like there should be a third and final lock point. I removed the latch and it seems to be working fine but can tell if there are worn pieces or if its good to go. Any suggestions?

Thanks

bill

 

[Aubrey]

Sounds a lot like mine. The tailgate has 1/2" of play in it and makes it hard to fully close and lock the liftgate. If I push in hard on the left side of the tailgate and push on the liftgate I can get it to full latch. I too tried to adjust my pins but it's not near enough. I got new gaskets to see if that will help but haven't put them in yet. I had also removed the access panel on the tailgate to look at the guts and it looks like there is play in the square sleeve where the latch rods slide in.

 

[wizardsrevenge]

sounds a lot like mine. The tailgate has 1/2" of play in it and makes it hard to fully close and lock the liftgate. If I push in hard on the left side of the tailgate and push on the liftgate I can get it to full latch. I too tried to adjust my pins but it's not near enough. I got new gaskets to see if that will help but haven't put them in yet. I had also removed the access panel on the tailgate to look at the guts and it looks like there is play in the square sleeve where the latch rods slide in.

If I move the latch while is laying flat it will click (lock) twice....does yours have two or more? When I close the tailgate it locks twice and still sits about a 1/2 inch out. I can move the tailgate towards the truck to make it flush but the spring in the latch pushes it back out.

Thanks for discussing. Bill

 

[Aubrey]

Yes, twice. Same deal as mine. I have to really slam it to get the second click but still have to push it in while closing the top in order to get the top to fully latch so I can lock it. My tailgate when fully closed (two clicks) is about 1/2" out from the sides.

 

[wizardsrevenge]

yes, twice. Same deal as mine. I have to really slam it to get the second click but still have to push it in while closing the top in order to get the top to fully latch so I can lock it. My tailgate when fully closed (two clicks) is about 1/2" out from the sides.

Ok thanks, I May have to do some bending ..

 

[Aubrey]

Drop the tailgate, remove the square access cover to see the insides, move the end latches and you'll see the square rod and how it fits inside the square tubes of the assembly. Mine has a lot of play.

 

[FDChappie]

Those square tubes can be removed from the tail gate and carefully flattened just a bit with a hammer. Doing this tightened my tail gate up quite a bit.

 

[wizardsrevenge]

drop the tailgate, remove the square access cover to see the insides, move the end latches and you'll see the square rod and how it fits inside the square tubes of the assembly. Mine has a lot of play.

Fixed: the I pulled out the latches and rod....I was able to pound off the latches from the rod. They are slotted on the ends. I rotated a few notches and hammered them back in. Flush like before. Saweet.