Tailgate latch options

I broke my cheap oem plastic tailgate latch. My buddy has broken his at least 3 times over the last few years. Has anybody found a tailgate latch that is more durable?

 

This has lasted me 2 years (so far) & shows no sign of breaking, then again it's only $20.

$14 Aftermarket Rear Tailgate Textured Black Door Handle 69090-0C010 For Toyota Tundra Truck 00 - 06

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009TC50LE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

X2. This one is working fine for me.

I really don't see how you could break one 3 times. That's odd.

 

Also make sure the mechanism is clean and lubed. Reduces stress on the handle.

 

I was hoping someone found something not made completely out of plastic.

 

I got that same one off Amazon. It feels cheap and like it's about to break. I think I read that the more expensive option off rockauto is pretty good.

 

@Hooptytrix I have this OEM one I dont need. It came off my 02. If you want to pay shipping it's yours.

 

That is all kinds of generous. PayPal ok?

 

If you don't have Venmo PayPal is fine. PM me your address and I'll send you my PayPal info. It may be a few days before I can ship it.

 

My clips on the inside (the orange and purple clips in the pic) kept breaking. I replaced them with some thicker better made clips from Advance Auto. Those made a noticeable difference in the feel of the handle when opening the tailgate. Handle’s still plastic tho☹️

 

@Hooptytrix I bought this from my local AutoZone and there were two in the pack that worked. They are also much more stout than OEM. For $4 I think it will easily out last OEM. While I was in there I used a silicone lubricant on everything on the handle as well as the actual latches and now it opens like it did when I bought it brand new.

https://m.autozone.com/collision-bo...an-help-assorted-door-lock-rod-clips/426081_0

 

Yep, that’s what I bought too!!! They made one hellava difference because they’re thicker. Opening the tailgate feels a lot more solid.

 

Good call on these. Never knew they were sold separately. I need some for my front hood latch rod. Wonder if they’ll fit?

 

For $4 it's worth a shot, worst case scenario they don't work but you'll have them for the tailgate when that comes apart.

 

I replaced my tailgate latch and installed stronger rod clips at the same time. My tailgate would unlatch smoother but still wasn't latching properly with the access panel closed. Further inspection revealed that my tailgate issues were cause by bedliner overspray on the rods. Once i removed the extra material, my tailgate works perfectly.

 

My tailgates tend to need a hammering to re-flatten them every few years. The tailgate inner cover tends to get caved inwards, binding the various bits of the latch mechanism. The various moving and sliding parts of the latch also get cleaned and lubricated then, which also makes it work better. If I do this, the tailgate latch releases easily and the plastic handle is sufficient for the task.

 

This makes sense, I'm going to try and get in there for spring cleaning

 

I need to replace mine too. The trim on top of the actual handle is broken. It still works though. Replacement is cheap, thanks for the link. I may go ahead and order one and a camera since that's where I wanted to mount the backup camera anyway.

Speaking of tailgates, does anyone have a recommendation on a strut to add to the tailgate? I added a Dee Zee one to my F-150 and now I can just pop the handle and let go of the tailgate and it comes down really nice and slow on its own. I'd like that on my 05 DC. That sucker is heavy compared to the one of my aluminum body F-150. Thanks.

 

Check out my build page. Mine is mounted like it is on my build page because there is not another way to do it. It won’t work in the tuck position. It works very well. Good luck.

 

@Professional Hand Model...Which Dee Zee truck model did you buy? I have a 2016 Ram kit that I never used before I got rid of the Ram. The tailgate is pretty heavy on my truck.

 

Its on my build page 3. Probably the same one for Ram that you have. My tailgate is heavy as well. I love the new action on it with the assist.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/the...nt-‘build’-a-chronological-story.46816/page-3

 

As similar as the tailgate design is to Fords, I'm not sure you couldn't simply fit the Dee Zee one to the Tundra.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH0sTo5n_zw

There's also this, which is similar.
https://www.siraweb.com/ez-down-dz4...MI9Lniy9Hs5wIVA6SzCh3Y4ALdEAQYBSABEgIhRPD_BwE

 

Not enough room between the gate and latch frame to fit the strut. If there was I would have done it.

The allowable strut would need to be half the diameter of most designs currently available. This equals weak strut.

Or, one could cut into the tailgate and fab up a way that allows the aftermarkets strut to ‘tuck’ into the recess. Not worth it in my opinion.

Somebody find a better way and I’ll follow you on it.

 

I found one on etrailer that uses a torsion bar between the bed and the tailgate.

https://www.etrailer.com/p-74211.html?hhyear=2005&hhmake=Toyota&hhmodel=Tundra

 

Awesome design! Fits later Tundras but not 2002 on website. Good reviews.

 

Yes odd. Will not fit 2003. I thought the tailgates were the same

 

Nice find. I might have to try that one.

 

While I’ve no interest myself in this, I did measure the side clearances on my 03 truck. There’s a 1-1/8” gap on both sides between the tailgate and bed sides. That’s tight, but not impossible, to fit a gas cylinder into.

The aforementioned torsion bar should also fit any of these beds and tailgates.

 

I think the torsion bar is the best design so far from a practical standpoint. I’d be interested in someone trying to install one on an earlier gen even though the seller/designer says won’t fit.


Per the gap and fitting a strut: One has to consider all things. The length of strut and how it effects the open/close. Latches are in the way. Cable hold is in the way, as well. The latch and cable folded up when the gate is closed precludes any allowable space and proper operation of strut.