1st Gen (best gen) tailgate clip repair, overhaul, beef-up, lube you lazy sods!

At least a link to it in the MEGA THREAD. If there is a link, I didn't see it.

 

That’s a better idea

 

Mine doesn't open without finagling the key in the lock while trying to open it at the same time. So I figured I'd follow this guide on this thread to fix the issue. Opened up the tailgate panel, clips are all intact (probably will still replace with better ones anyway), white retainer rod clips aren't broken but are a little loose. Tested the latch mech by pulling the tailgate handle and seeing what happens inside. Whenever the handle is pulled, it also engages the lock swivel/pivot and locks the handle nearly every time. The seller/PO installed this

Tailgate Handle Liftgate Latch with Rod Clips Compatible with 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra, Replace# 69090-0C030-C0, 69090-0C010, 80866, TO1915110, Textured, Plastic

cheap $10 one from Amazon and seems that others in the review section had the same problem with the handle engaging with the lock when pulled. I'm looking to replace with either OEM or Dorman and going to skip on the cheaper <$20 amazon replacements. Dorman handle is notably cheaper than OEM but have read mixed things on other threads on this topic regarding the quality.

 

Question - I've removed the old, broken purple driver side plastic thing and have new parts. The one on the end of the bar (not in the handle) is what needs to be replaced. I read on a different thread to put the new plastic thing on the bar with the end of the rod in the hole and then install the assembly by pushing the plug part of the plastic piece into the latch mechanism. It does not seem to want to click into place. Should I remove the plastic piece from the rod (and hopefully not break it in the process), push the plug part into the hole in the latch and then attach the rod?

 

That's the way I did it. You snap the new plastic connector in the hole, insert the rod in hole, and then rotate the plastic connector until it snaps over the rod.

 

Redid the assembly and clip - clip first then rod. Worked perfectly. Lubed side latches with WD-40 White Lithium spray as recommended here and it now works so easily. Glad I found this group.

 

Great info in this thread! My cover was bent in and rubbing on the rods. A few minutes spent straightening, white lithium psst psst, and now the tailgate opens and closes with one finger!