Fleetside tailgate latch problem

[72 Money Pit]

When I open my fleetside tailgate, the latches on the sides of the tailgate do not return to the fully extened position. When this happens, my tail gate won't stay closed until I grab each latch with pliers and pull them completely out. The Chevy service manual does not provide any real explanation for this installation. Is there a spring at the handle in the center of the tailgate that may be weak or broken, or are there springs out at each latch that should puch them back out? Help!