Tailgate Latch Options

[Cerd]

I seem to be breaking the latch handle off of my tailgate on a 2003. Does anyone know of a company that makes aluminum handles? I had one that broke the plastic finger off and another that broke off at the screws that hold it on.

 

[mrack]

Sounds like you need to be a little more careful when opening your tailgate lol. Keep the latches lubed so your not having to yank the handle to unlatch it.

 

[HemiLonestar]

Jesus Christ, what are you doing to them?? I still had the original one on my 2003 and only replaced it because I wanted an integrated backup cam.

 

[Cerd]

Its a 21 year old farm truck that I bought this year. Its likely that something is tweaked. I replaced the old rusty tailgate, but this one is slightly dinged up still. I pulled the cover off and greased every moving joint in the linkages. I think that the rust was too much for it. I think the other one was weathered since it broke off on the screw mounts.

I am in the rust belt, so steel and plastics only last so long with all of the salt during winter and early spring.