89 Suburban Tailgate Latch Adjustment - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Lee R. · 12-17-2003, 05:34 PM

Having trouble unlatching the tailgate on my 89 Suburban. When I lift the handle the driver's side latch releases ok but the pass. side doesn't. Is there an adjustment that can be made?

Thanks
Lee

KShortell · 12-17-2003, 05:54 PM

I think I had the same trouble once upon a time. If memory serves me right, I just bent the latch connecting rod a bit. It's been fine ever since.

You'lll have to open up the tailgate access panel to get to it.

Grim Reaper · 12-18-2003, 01:50 PM

It may be a lock out device problem. There is a lever that the window hits when it is all the way down. It locks out the latches so you can't open the gate with the window open. I had a K5 that had a spring break in that and gave a simular problem.

The latch is different on my 88 Burb then it was on my 79 K5. I am having a problem with the switch that lets you operate the window once the gate is closed. You have to slam the snot out of the gate to trip the switch.

On the 79 it was in the driver side latch. Completly different latch on the 88 burb. I think the switch is relocated to the passengerside upright on the body and not in the gate at all. Any tips on getting it to work right without slamming the gate? (wish I had held out longer for a barn door model some times)

Lee R. · 12-18-2003, 05:54 PM

Thanks for the tips guys. Grim Reaper- I have that same problem sometimes with having to slam the gate shut to get the window to work. On my 89 the switch is a plunger type and is located in the tailgate on the pass. side latch. Should be the same with your 88. The rocker type switch on the pass. side body inside the truck turns the interior lights on & off when the tailgate is opened & closed.

Grim Reaper · 12-19-2003, 11:31 AM

Thanks Lee. I guess I have two problems. The switch is not working for the dome lights. I'll take a look at that passengerside latch.

Defroster is not working as well. I wonder if I have something coming unplugged in the gate cause some of these problems.

Lee R. · 12-21-2003, 05:42 PM

Now that I have everything apart I found that there is a bolt in the center latch control that when it is loosened you can adjust the slack in the two latch rods and the tailgate release handle rod. This made unlatching the tailgate the easiest its been in the 6 years I've had the truck.

Lee

12-17-2003, 05:34 PM	#1
Lee R. Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: long island, NY Posts: 26	89 Suburban Tailgate Latch Adjustment Having trouble unlatching the tailgate on my 89 Suburban. When I lift the handle the driver's side latch releases ok but the pass. side doesn't. Is there an adjustment that can be made? Thanks Lee

12-17-2003, 05:54 PM	#2
KShortell Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 734	I think I had the same trouble once upon a time. If memory serves me right, I just bent the latch connecting rod a bit. It's been fine ever since. You'lll have to open up the tailgate access panel to get to it. __________________ Semper Paratus

12-18-2003, 01:50 PM	#3
Grim Reaper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,704	It may be a lock out device problem. There is a lever that the window hits when it is all the way down. It locks out the latches so you can't open the gate with the window open. I had a K5 that had a spring break in that and gave a simular problem. The latch is different on my 88 Burb then it was on my 79 K5. I am having a problem with the switch that lets you operate the window once the gate is closed. You have to slam the snot out of the gate to trip the switch. On the 79 it was in the driver side latch. Completly different latch on the 88 burb. I think the switch is relocated to the passengerside upright on the body and not in the gate at all. Any tips on getting it to work right without slamming the gate? (wish I had held out longer for a barn door model some times) __________________ Grim-Reaper 70 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible, worlds longest resto in progress Looking for 71-72 2wd Blazer or Jimmy Project

12-19-2003, 11:31 AM	#5
Grim Reaper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,704	Thanks Lee. I guess I have two problems. The switch is not working for the dome lights. I'll take a look at that passengerside latch. Defroster is not working as well. I wonder if I have something coming unplugged in the gate cause some of these problems. __________________ Grim-Reaper 70 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible, worlds longest resto in progress Looking for 71-72 2wd Blazer or Jimmy Project

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12-18-2003, 05:54 PM	#4
Lee R. Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: long island, NY Posts: 26	Thanks for the tips guys. Grim Reaper- I have that same problem sometimes with having to slam the gate shut to get the window to work. On my 89 the switch is a plunger type and is located in the tailgate on the pass. side latch. Should be the same with your 88. The rocker type switch on the pass. side body inside the truck turns the interior lights on & off when the tailgate is opened & closed.

12-21-2003, 05:42 PM	#6
Lee R. Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: long island, NY Posts: 26	Now that I have everything apart I found that there is a bolt in the center latch control that when it is loosened you can adjust the slack in the two latch rods and the tailgate release handle rod. This made unlatching the tailgate the easiest its been in the 6 years I've had the truck. Lee



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