Well I'm embarrassed of this, but maybe this will help some other lazy guy.

I've been battling a difficult to open tailgate on my '97 F150 for at least four years. You know, bang the gate in or out while pulling on the latch to get the damn thing open.

Well in about 5 minutes with a T30 screwdriver and some PB Blaster, the tailgate can be opened by 6 year old girl. Removing the inspection panel on the inside of the tailgate allows easy access to lube the system. Wipe off any excess spray to reduce dirt buildup.

 

Yup, a simple lube and maybe a tiny adjustment and it works perfectly. The scary thing is thinking about how many people you have heard proclaim that their truck was a POS and one of their reasons was a sticky tailgate latch. By lubing the latch, you have proven yourself to be smarter than half the truck owners out there.

 

Any ideas how to lube the innards of the tailgate mechanism with a spray in liner installed?
Mine's getting sticky but I've got my Rhino installed and can't get to the inside panel.
Thanks
DC

 

My spray in dealer removed the access plate, sprayed it seperately and of course didn't spray the screws, so, it's easy to remove.

Use a utility knife to cut the outline of the access panel and cut around the screw heads. The screw heads should peel after you cut down to the metal around the head because they are so small.

I can understand spraying the bed bolts because the chance of remove the bed are slim but, spraying the access panel (in place) and the attachment screws is just plain lazy.

It would have took 3 extra minutes to do it right.

 

Right after doing the same thing to my 97's tailgate I took some gunslick(tm) which is nothing more than anhydrous graphite, smeared it on my key, and 'fixed' my PITA driver side door lock. FYI

 

I've got the same problem with my tailgate, and I am glad I went with the line-x guys, they pulled it off and sprayed it seperately.

I think I will get out there this weekend and take care of that.