I have a 1996 2500 ram 4X4 deisel that has tailgate issues. The right side lock/catch and the corresponding striker bar are worn and need to be replaced. I need to know if I can just unbolt the right side latch and swap it out with a new part or is there a lot of hidden things in the tailgate that I cant get access to, which will make the job difficult. I dont have a diagram of the inner workings of the tailgate so I am not sure how difficult this repair might be. Any help would be appreciated because the constant squeking and excessive rattling are driving me crazy.. I know, "real trucks rattle" but they shouldnt squek like little mice.

I have already tried putting WD 40, grease etc on it to keep it from squeking but it doesnt help because the latch is so worn from bouncing up and down on dirt roads.

Thanks,
Ed

 

you could just try replacing the little rubber piece that the tailgate pivots on. I've seen a LOT of rams with squeaky tailgates and it was all because that 1$ rubber thing was worn or missing.

 

My 1996 2500 ram does not have them on the pivot points on the body side of the tailgate opening. The tailgate just rotates metal to metal. I havent been able to find a diagram that shows what/where the rubber pieces are called or located. Do you know the name of the part or where I could find them? thanks Ed

 

......

 

www.lmctruck.com Dodge Ram catalog pg. 47

and next time don't get so uppity like you've been waiting all damn day after just 5 minutes. People round here don't take well to that kind of crap.

 

LMFAO id lke to think there was a lot activity and he bumped it but either way it can be irratating thanks for the link too

 

Before you replace that bushing, clean that baby out with carb cleaner. That shut mine right up.

 

Hey Squirrels,

Thanx for the link, didn't know that shop!

And go easy on the guy, he's new

Greetz,

Bigster