How to tighten tailgate on 1984 GMC?

[2badgn]

After 2 other posts on tailgates, I have another problem with my tailgate. It doesnt close great. Sometimes, theres alot of play when its closed. What parts should I change to fix this problem.

I plan on buying a new handle bc its old and cracked.

How do i figure out if i need new trunnions, or cables or hinges or lathches?
I feel like buying a whole new kit but its aftermarket.

What do u suggest?

Thanks

I just want the tailgate to close firmly and not be lose at all.

[rwhit57]

The latch on the bed can be adjusted. Just loosen the 2 bolts and bump it in a little (both sides). You just have to play with it until the gate sets tight against the rubber bumpers when latched. Those bumpers do get hard but if you get the gate tight against them it won't rattle and should shut well.

[2badgn]

Thanks- Ill try adjusting the bolts and was also thinking of replacing those dry rotted rubber bumpers. Thanks again

[rwhit57]

I found lubing everything helps a bunch too. I noticed paint on all of your bkts. and stuff, this could cause some problems also.

[walkerb]

I have taken all the guts out from the inside of the tailgate to just clean and lube. Works way better and it was worth the fustration.

I know your talking about just adjusting, but its well worth it here in NY anyway.

[2badgn]

Originally Posted by walkerb

I have taken all the guts out from the inside of the tailgate to just clean and lube. Works way better and it was worth the fustration.

I know your talking about just adjusting, but its well worth it here in NY anyway.

Do u have any pics and tips/instructions?

[78maliburat]

On the top rubber shim it from the back side with flat washers

[walkerb]

Originally Posted by 2badgn

Do u have any pics and tips/instructions?

Not really. If I remember correctly, the hardest parts was getting the bolts out of the handle.

I put the tailgate, inside up, on a garbage can and soaked the screws for a couple days.

They broke lose and then I remove the latches from sides of the gate. There are 2 rods inside the connect the latches to the handle(cant remember if I took those out). Not sure how it will go with the spray-on liner

Cleaned and sprayed the crap out of all of it. I put never-seize on everything and put it back together.

I dont remember having to adjust anything? maybe.

Its all pretty easy. Just make sure you spray the hell out of the bolts(screws) for the handle a couple days before.