My tailgate on my 99 won't open and I need to put a bed in there tommorow! What am I going to do??

Something inside is loose, and the latchs won't unlatch when I pull the handle. the beds been rhino lined, are there any screws other than the three across from the handle that may have been hidden by rhino lining?

Otherwise, any suggestions on what will fit down the crack between the tailgate and side of the box to manually unlatch the latchs?
Thanks

 

pull hard=comes easy! lol

EDIT: it might be ike my dads chevy. Pull the handle, then hit the tailgate in towards the bed.

 

try to use a penetrating oil!!

 

You should be able to remove the 3 screws from the inside of the tail gate and remove the access panel. Then you should be able to operate the rods on each side to manually open the tailgate. Sounds like the handle or the plastic retainer clip attaching the handle to the latch mechanism broke off. If so, the Dodge dealer should have a new one, or maybe a junk yard. Shouldn't cost very much.

Jimmy

 

Ok thanks all, I managed to get it open with the help of someone more experienced than I. The retaining clip holding the rod to the latch mechanism on one side had broken, and the rod popped out. With some lube and patience, we were able to unlatch it, and used a twist tie as a temporary fix haha. Untill i get a new clip tommorrow