Okay,

So I did run about 4-5 searches for this, and came up with zilch..

Does anyone have any info for a tailgate lock.

We all know that some of the early 09builds didn't get the embedded lock. We also know that the replacement handle is about $400 from dodge. LockPick has nothing, either does DynoLock. the only thing people have is the electronic lock, which I'm trying to get info on, is it hard to install, etc

If anyone has anything to add, maybe even a manual type lock, i would really appreciate it

 

Here is an excellent walkthrough on the installation process for the power tailgate lock actuator. But that won't do you any good if you don't already have the lock cylinder. Sorry, I don't know much about replacement options for the locking handle itself.

Rob

 

Thanks Rob for the reference. I'll take a look, hopefully more folks will chime in..

Thanks again
John

 

For the manual tailgate lock (where you have to buy a whole new handle because you don't have the cylinder)... I followed these steps here https://dodgeforum.com/forum/4th-gen...-walkthru.html

Ordered the parts just as Smoothbassman has listed in the photos on his post from Avondale, AZ Dodge and got them in a day. Paid just shy of $100 for everything and I installed it in less than 30 minutes (grab tools, disassemble, assemble, clean-up), piece-o-cake. The only comment I have is that in my case, I could not turn the key to the left - only to the right 180 degrees to set my key to the cylinder.

 

Pace Edwards makes a good aftermarket, I have had it on my truck for over 2 years. Also Pop Lock makes one now too.

 

Be careful with aftermarket electric locks... I bought a Dynolock tailgate lock for my '07 Ram and had nothing but problems with it. The plunger motor is mounted on a really flimsy piece of metal that I had to add support to, and even the whole principle (the plunger slid a metal rod under the latch to prevent someone from opening it) wasn't very well thought out, since if you put enough pressure on the handle from the outside the rod just deflected and popped out of the way.

All told it was $100 wasted. If I had to do it again I'd buy a keyed lock and be done.

 

Well if you pull hard enough on a factory installed one you can probably pull it right out of the location its mounted. I have had mine on for 2 years and change and not an issue. Was one of my first mods since I was pissed at the dealer would not do mine when I bought the truck because my uncle bought one and wanted to use my employee number well I went out there to see his truck mine and his were next to each other his had a lock mine didn't. I asked if they could put one they said no if it didnt come with not gonna happen, then I found out otherwise I said two birds with one stone now I have a power tailgate, no key lock but if necessary i have a way to get my tonneau open.

 

i have had the pace one in for almost two years and would have sworn by it untill this weekend. i slammed the tailgate shut cuz and then it didnt unlock for the first ever. i locked and unlocked a few times but now i dont trust it and dont want to have to cut my bed cover to get in. havnt had a chance to remove cover and look because even when not unlocking i hear it so i am hoping its just some dirt or gravel stuck in it (dont ask but i can hear some gravel in the tailgate then must work its way in through the latches when shoveling out bed ... really need to cover those with a rag when doing that i guess)

i will update, but if not i will be updating to the key lock. my early 09 doesnt have that, and the electronic lock has been awesome for the past two years. if you go with pace i might reccomend putting the relay to the passenger door wire so it doesnt lock and unlock everytime you open just the driver door, might save some wear and tear.

 

That is the way the factory lock is supposed to be wired. For the second push of the unlock button.

I've got an extra handle with an unused lock if anyone is interested. Got the extra parts left over from installing the factory camera (it came with a new handle and lock).