Tailgate rod slipped off - how to reattach??

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LadyAg

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Dallas, Tx
Ram Year
2003
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Hemi 6.1L, 2WD
Hi all,

My tailgate won’t open on my ‘03 Ram. I took off the tailgate cover on the inside of the bed and wiggled the rods, and sure enough, the left rod (viewed from inside the bed) had come off the far left side (not from the latch).

I still can’t open the tailgate, and am hoping I can somehow open the tailgate and reattach the rod myself. Warning: I am a 70 yr old lady who has put almost every single mile on this truck during the last 21 years, but I am not familiar with repairs, but willing to learn.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!
 

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tron67j

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I had to take my 2003 apart to replace parts, but been awhile. I think your latch where rod pulled out may be damaged. That plastic fitting helps hold it in place. You need to feel for hole in latch where that goes. Have someone in bed, take that clip off and have person hold the hook end of rod in the latch hole, then pull handle to open tailgate. That will help you get better view of issue. If parts are needed, I think you can take latch off that side (or remove post from that side of truck bed) and just use other side latch to keep tail gate shut, and to open, while getting parts. Easy to remove tailgate if that is option; just lift gate a bit and take cables off and then about half way up lift up on tailgate and it comes off. Have two people, easier to wiggle both sides that way. Good luck.
 

GTyankee

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Great 3rd generation Dodge Ram Tailgate video
including how to remove all of the hardware, including your broken piece

 

Daw14

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You can use your phone to get an inside look at where the rod may have came from.
Take plenty of pics to help make things easier.
That plastic clip may need to be replaced , napa should have them.
 
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