So I've been searching around for some tailgate handle upgrades. I'm looking for a tailgate lock since I have a cap now. I figured since I'd have the assembly apart that I might as well replace the plastic handle with a metal one. Just not sure if I want a plain black metal one or a chrome metal one to go with the rest of the chrome on the truck(front and rear bumpers + step bars). Are these handles actually 100% metal? I don't want some cheesy metal looking handle. Here's some links to the stuff I've found. I'm not even sure wtf some of this stuff is or how it works, hell there's no pic or description of the one item.

Any thoughts or ideas? Basically, I'm looking to lock my tailgate and need a new tailgate handle with ALL metal construction.

Tailgate Lock(one I'm leaning towards)...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...QQcmdZViewItem
Another Tailgate Lock??...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TAILG...QQcmdZViewItem
Another Tailgate Lock??...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1983-...QQcmdZViewItem
Black "Metal" Handle...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...QQcmdZViewItem
Chrome "Metal" Handle...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

I think the black "metal" handles are actually metal. it says 100% metal. If they're not, you can file a dispute with ebay for false advertisement. (they're pretty strict on that).

I actually got an electrical lock for my tailgate. I also have a cap and it's pretty nice to have the tailgate electrically lockable. It is wired to the PS lock unit, so only when the passenger door locks are unlocked do the tailgates unlock. (meaning, for the keyless entry, you have to push unlock twice. this is good, because you dont' want to unlock the tailgate everytime you unlock the driver door )

If you do in fact get the black metal handle and they are indeed metal, I might get one too

 

dunno about the lock, but I got a chrome one from Wayne for 15 bucks and it's phucking Solid

 

Here are ranger site Vendor's

New tailgate handle

Electric tailgate lock

I have this tailgate lock on my truck now.

pace edwards

 

Thanks Kyle! Now....how was the electric tailgate lock install. The desc says "plug and go". How true is this? lol

I wanted the manual lock simply for the simplicity =]

 

it is pretty much plug and go. you will need to do some wiring, but super easy. do it!

 

How did you run the wiring from the tailgate handle to the door? That's what I'm worried about. I can open up/close up the tailgate handle assembly and remove/replace the door panel with no problems.



Once she's up and running again you can rest assured that this baby is hitting the trails after the engine break-in. I don't wanna be replacing sections of wire nor do I wanna have to look at wiring or have it exposed.

 

The wiring is pretty easy. I will post pics later when I get off work.

It really isn't that hard, you just run the wire from the tail gate under the frame (attaching with zip ties) up to the body and then just run the wire to the passenger side door wires located behind the kick panel. I assure you that I am quite a beginer when it comes to wiring, and I was able to accomplish this.

The wire from the lock inside the tailgate will run throught he drain hole in the bottom of the gate. From there you just run it along the frame to the cab. Underneith the carpet in the cab the are some rubber plugs, I just cut a hole in one of those and ran the cord through there, under the carpet to the kick panel

 

I also use a powerlock in the tailgate, wired the same as harry tasker. Anyone can do it. Only negative comment from me is that the lock is rather loud, but it works great.

 

So what happens if the lock fails??? Just take the access plate off the gate and remove it?

 

Should the lock fail that is what you would have to do.

 

I bought one of those black metal ebay handles when my crappy plastic one broke, it was fully metal and I never had a problem after I installed it.. I also had an electric pop n lock that I hooked to my power locks, worked flawlessly..if it fails you can just take the access panel off like you said Bill.. very easy install

 

i love my stock one, works great with my locking hard cover

 

Yeah, yeah...lol


So what happens if I need to take the tailgate off? I find myself doing that at least once a month(when it runs). I gotta make a quick d/c then?

I think I might just stick to the manual lock. If I don't have my keyring, I'd be screwed anyhow. That's where my only keyfob is, lol.

 

there is a quick disconnect for the cables that you could locate near the spare-tire area if you need to take the gate off.