Tailgate mechanism

[91Pioneer]

So I just "restored" my tailgate handle/mechanism. It's much smoother and looks better. I'll post a video on that soon.

 

Anywho, when I use the handle to release the tailgate, it doesn't actually pull the catches on either side until the very last tiny bit of the motion on the handle. So, you pull the handle, keep pulling up, keep pulling.... then at the very last bit the tailgate releases.

 

At first I thought I could just take off one of the latches to adjust it but that's not an option. So now I'm thinking my only real option is to shorten the rods in order to have the tailgate pull open sooner. Since shortening it could be hard, I was actually thinking of putting two opposite bends in the rod, think of making it slightly S shaped. That should be easier and more adjustable.

 

What do you guys think of my plan? In the long run it's not a big deal but I feel like the whole workings is a bit loose and needs adjustment.

 

Also, another related question, when I close the tailgate, I need to operate the handle to make the catches latch. Normally when you close a tailgate you don't need to touch the handle. Is that the way it's supposed to be?

[Jackrabbit41]

Mine closes by just slamming it shut, you don't have to pull the handle at all

[Keyav8r]

When I repaired the tailgate on my 88 MJ I had the same problem. I solved it by bending the "arms" a little tighter so that they didn't have to move as far to pull the latches. Putting an S bend in the rods might work as well.

Yes, you need to pull the handle when you close the tailgate to avoid damaging the latches and/or the latch plates and/or the tailgate sheet metal.

[91Pioneer]

When I repaired the tailgate on my 88 MJ I had the same problem. I solved it by bending the "arms" a little tighter so that they didn't have to move as far to pull the latches. Putting an S bend in the rods might work as well.

 

What's the easiest way to bend the rods? Did you remove them to do that? There's not much room to work going in the tailgate handle hole... Yeah even just a single bend would be enough I would think, I just want to take up the slack. I'm wondering (hoping?) if I can maybe remove the 3 bolts and drop the handle down, not actually disconnect it, and bend it that way...

[FrankTheDog]

Tailgate should shut easily without opening the handle.

Lube the latches and handle, soak them real good and move them back and forth while you are doing it.

[91Pioneer]

Here's the video I did on "restoring" the tailgate handle/mechanism. Let me know your thoughts.

 

[metrictonner]

Slam it?  People actually slam their MJs?  Like the hood you set the thing in place then press down (for the hood)/in (for the tailgate) on each front (hood)/top (tailgate) corner until it clicks closed.

[91Pioneer]

I let the hood drop from at least 6 inches up, closes perfectly every time.

[FrankTheDog]

Just a push in the middle, no slamming, no babying.

If you love her, lube her.

[Keyav8r]

To each his own. I'll keep pulling the handle when I close my tailgate. I'd rather hear a couple of clicks than a thud.

[91Pioneer]

Right now I have to use the handle when I close it, plus push on each latch on the upper corners of the tailgate. It's kind of embarrassing to be honest.

[mikekaz1]

the rods that go to to each of the latches should spin and thus shorten or lengthen. there treaded on the end for adjustment. I'm guessing yours are too loose.

[A-man930]

:popcorn:

[mikekaz1]

Here's the video I did on "restoring" the tailgate handle/mechanism. Let me know your thoughts.

 

Bless your soul using gloves through that whole thing! I HATE wearing gloves working. It makes handling parts so much more difficult

[91Pioneer]

Oh I use gloves when working on the vehicles, sometimes fancy Snap-on gloves, or nitrile if I'll get real dirty.