Does anybody know a way to open the tailgate by the hook latches on either end? I bought a dakota that has a dented tailgate that is stuck shut, I bought a new (junkyard) tailgate, but cannot for the life of me get the dented one off the truck. The handle seems like it's still connected to the rods, but I think the body damage is preventing it from pushing them enough to trigger the spring to pop the hook to the open position. I know there's a small little lever, that you can (potentially) pull up to open the hook up, but it doesn't seem to be budging...just wondering if anyone else has run into something similar and how you got it open. Already thinking of ways I can cut it off with a Sawzall, or angle grinder, but only want to do that as a last resort. Just thinking there's gotta be some way to push a certain spring or something inside the hook latch housing to force the hook open, or a better way to get that lever up to open the hook...it's in pretty tight quarters, but it can't be impossible....thanks in advance!

 

Can you remove the inside door panel I think you should have one.

Im thinking cut a good size hole in the door near the bed latch locations both sides if not.


the door is trash correct.

 

Either that or pull the tailgate handle out, and grab the operating rods with vice grips, and YANK.