Tailgate won't shut right (Full Version)

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Tailgate won't shut right

  

02Z71silverado -> Tailgate won't shut right (3/27/2008 10:15:41 PM)

I have an 02 z71 silverado 1500. my tailgate began fall down when i would hit a big bump while driving. if i dont SLAM the hell out of the tailgate then it will fall down. it clearly isnt shutting right. i just replaced the right tailgate latch because it looked as if there was a left latch on the right side of the tailgate just it was flipped around so i ordered the right side latch from my local dealer. 65 bucks and one new latch later, the damn thing still doesnt shut right and u still need to slam the hell out of it for it to stay shut. does anybody have any knowledge on these tailgates? im starting to get really annoyed with the thing and i look like an idiot when my tailgate falls as im driving down the main road in my town. HELPPPPPP PLEASEEEE [:@]

  
cams 98 silverado -> RE: Tailgate won't shut right (3/27/2008 11:43:24 PM)

okedoke... i have had the same problem on my 98... although... it wasnt the wrong latches or anything... it was they siezed... see i looked like an idiot when id get a screw driver to pop the latches back out. heres what i did... i took the handle out. latches out and sprayed them with pb blaster and a little liquid wrench. took my time and did it all slowly. im thinking that your latches are getting hung up and the  vibrations from you slamming it loosen them an spring into place. so try that. an... try it with teh origional parts... if it works with origional then take that other one back... 

02Z71silverado -> RE: Tailgate won't shut right (3/28/2008 9:15:55 AM)

yeah i tried spraying down the latches with WD-40 while the problem just began to start and nothing changed. ill try PB blaster i hear that stuff works magic. but since i just put a brand new latch on one side wouldnt that solve half of the problem? or i guess all it takes is for one latch so be seized for it to screw the whole tailgate up.

jiggsy -> RE: Tailgate won't shut right (3/28/2008 9:30:42 AM)

It's quite possible that the striker bolts are too far forward.

I used to have to slam the tailgate shut until someone showed me how to adjust them.
When you loosen them, you can move them.

You'll need to adjust the rubber stoppers too so that your tailgate doesn't rattle.

best o' luck

cams 98 silverado -> RE: Tailgate won't shut right (3/28/2008 2:35:11 PM)

yea try that too... but wd-40 i found doesnt work all that well... it looked like someone before me used some really thick grease an it looked like tooth paste. it made it worse... but try pb blaster or liquid wrench. an see if the striker bolts are also mis aligned too... 

silverado man -> RE: Tailgate won't shut right (3/29/2008 7:46:12 PM)

i guys a couple yrs ago my 2000 was doing the same thing and I tried the spray it help for a while but in the end i took the center latch right out of the tail gate and i tapped the rivet and that loosen the part that was siezing up and I havnt had a problem since

  

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