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Tailgate (or Door) Latch Cleaning
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.
Latches that have not been properly maintained may need deep cleaning to restore proper operation. Soak in solvent (naphtha, kerosene, or deodorized mineral spirits - NOT gas or diesel) until the old caked grease is soft enough to scrub out using tooth/bore brushes. When dry, wash in warm soapy water to remove any remaining mud, and dry thoroughly (sunlight for a few hours, or a heat gun for a few minutes). Then apply a flowable grease sparingly to the internal mechanisms while operating the jaws & release repeatedly. The upper jaw of the left latch may not fully open without assistance due to the follower for the safety switch, but this is normal and NOT a problem to be fixed. When installed & aligned, the strike bolt opens that jaw fully.
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