Fix Broken Brat Tailgate Handle?

[renob123]

I'd like to be able to use the handle to open the tailgate. Right now I just grab some stuff inside the tailgate and pull until it opens.

 

I pulled out a piece of metal that looks like a nail that was bent in two places, and it seems to be the culprit. It kept slipping loose. I replaced it with a zip-tie, but it stretched too much. I also tried rebending the "nail". Has anyone found a good way of fixing this thing?

 

Thanks.

 

Jacob

[mcbrat]

there should be little plastic bushings that help keep it in place... they wear out after a while.... I believe they are the same as the ones that hold the door linkages together so should be able to find some in a JY, and put it all back together.....

[The Beast I Drive]

I just fixed the same problem you have, and McBrat is dead on the money.

 

Also, if you did bend that little linkage rod at all, you must bend it back to the stock shape or it wont work right (makes it a royal pain in the a$$ to get it in and then it dont work right... I found out the hard way)

 

Also, make sure you lube up the latches and linkage with some Liquid wrench or WD40 or something with graphite in it. It will make it open like new I did that to all my doors on my brat and adjusted all the linkages and now they open and close better than new, a baby could open my doors with its pinky, even on the side that got T-boned in the past!

 

Wow I get carried away...

-Bill

[renob123]

Also, if you did bend that little linkage rod at all, you must bend it back to the stock shape or it wont work right (makes it a royal pain in the a$$ to get it in and then it dont work right... I found out the hard way)

 

See, that's the thing. I'm thinking a PO effed with the linkage rod. I just bent it back to how I thought it may very well go. I'll look at my door and try to see what bushings you guys are talking about.

 

Thanks.

 

Jacob