Alrighty then, I recently noticed that the tailgate handle on my 97 F-150 it getting hard to open. Specifically you have to pull on the left side of the handle and even then it sticks a little. What parts do I need to lube up, where are they and what kind of lube is best? TIA

 

I just lubed my in-laws using WD-40. I sprayed it on the pivot points of the handle and where the latch "fingers" exit the left and right sides of the tailgate. Loosened it up real nice.

 

I bought my 98 F150 in August and have noticed the same problem with it, you have to pull the handle in the exact right spot to get it to open. I am abroad till May, but will try this fix when I get home. It would really be nice to not have to fix this problem.

 

I had the same problem with mine last summer. I took off the access panel on the tailgate and cleaned and lubed all the rods and pivot points and the problem was solved. Try that and you should be good.

Bob

 

White lithium spray on grease! I have yet to see anything not loosen up once sprayed with it. I keep my door hinges and latches coated with it year round. Good luck!,,,,98


WD-40 is fine for temporary purposes, but it doesn't stick around long. Just my two cents

 

Thanks for the replies! I though of taking off the access panel and hitting it with some of the white lithium grease I have in my gun cabinet, but wanted to check here first. FWIW I have to pull on the left hand 1/4 of my tailgate handle to get it to open. I'll post back here when I get a chance to fix it!

 

Just a quick update! I took the access panel off of my tailgate and used some spray on white lithium grease on all the moving parts....it works great! I also put some "Gunslick" (anhydrous graphite) on my key and lubed all the locks. They're all smooth now! The drivers side used to stick a little bit, but it's much mo betta now! Thanks for the advice guys.

 

Cool! Glad it worked ffor you!,,,,98