How To Replace Tailgate Handle Ford 1987-96 F150 F250 F350
Created on: 2012-12-22
If the tailgate handle is jammed or broken and needs to be replaced, check out this video to learn how to replace it yourself
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step 1 :Removing the Inner Tailgate Liner Protector
- Remove the Phillips screws from the liner
- Remove the liner
- Remove the panel on the inner part of the tailgate with a T30 Torx Driver
- Remove the panel
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step 2 :Removing the Tailgate Handle
- Remove the two 10mm bolts from the tailgate handle
- Unclip the latches from the tailgate handle rods
- Remove the tailgate handle
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step 3 :Installing the Tailgate Handle
- Insert the handle into place
- Insert and tighten the 10mm bolts to the tailgate handle
- Spray the hinges with rust penetrate
- Test the tailgate handle
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step 4 :Installing the Inner Tailgate Liner Protector
- Insert the panel on the inner part of the tailgate
- Insert the T30 Torx screws to the inner part of the tailgate
- Push the liner into place
- Insert the Phillips screw into the liner
Tools needed
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Socket Extensions
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Rust Penetrant
T30 Driver
10mm Socket
Ratchet
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Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.
In this video, we're going to show you how to replace a tailgate handle on this '96 Ford pickup. It's pretty much the same for any '87 . '96 Ford F-150, 250, and even 350. Tools you'll need include T30 Torx driver as well as a 10mm socket with a ratchet and extension. This truck has a bed liner that uses Phillips screws, so if your truck has a bed liner in it you may need either a Phillips screwdriver or you may need some other tool depending on how your bed liner is held into the truck.
Start by opening your tailgate if you can. If your handle or mechanism is broken in a way that the tailgate won't open that's okay, you can just do these steps from the inside. This truck has a bed liner on it, so I'm using a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the bed liner to the tailgate. Some of these screws could be on there quite tough so you can see me bearing down quite a bit on some of them. Once I get those off I slip the bed liner off, and then there are four Torx screws still holding the access panel onto the bed.
If you don't have a bed liner you'll simply just have more of these screws holding the access panel on. Those screws are T30 Torx head screws, so I'd recommend a T30 Torx bit that you can put onto a ratchet handle. Once you get to this spot, if you haven't already gotten the tailgate open, you can open it just by squeezing here on this mechanism. You want to make sure this mechanism's all in good shape.
You're going to remove two 10mm nuts: one there and one there. Use a 10mm socket with an extension and a ratchet and the nuts come off. The handle just twists right down and out, and the new handle goes right back on in. Just make sure, as you put the handle up and in, lift up on the mechanism a little bit. Get the studs lined up and get the nuts on. With the tailgate up, just try and line the handle up as best you can. I'm just tightening up the nuts from the backside.
It's a good idea, while you're in here and have this opened up, to take some rust penetrant and spray all your mechanisms, then follow this up with a good coat of white grease. I'll speed up here again as I put the access plate back on. Again, my truck has a bed liner, so I put it on, put the four T30 Torx screws in first, tighten those up, then slip the bed liner cover over it and put the Phillips screws in. Again, depending on your bed liner, some of this hardware may be a little bit different but it should be basically the same idea.
We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.
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