just picked up my 2008 4x4 ranger pickup truck from the dealer ,love it.
would anybody know if the tailgate handle for opening and closing can
be made lockable.with a key can i change ,buy an after market or from a ford dealer

 

http://www.pickupspecialties.com/poplock.htm

the only one ive ever found

 

I have the pops lock, only problem is over the winter I never lubricated it. When I tried to unlock it here 3 months ago my key wouldnt fit. All i needed to do was open up the slot and spray some silicone spray in it. Besides that I love it. Was easy to install too.

 

If you have power locks there are power tailgate locks that wire into your regular lock circuit and it locks when you lock you doors with the power lock switch or fob.

George

 

I just got one installed on my 08 2wd sport.

I think it's a pop lock. I just went to a local parts store and they ordered it for me, was I think $50 bucks, then it took like 15 mins for them to install. These prices are Canadian. It installs right in your stock tailgate handle and then you have a key to either have it locked or unlocked.

Good luck.

I can post a pic if you want? let me know.

 

Mine was crap...hope you have better luck with yours...

 

I just installed a 'Pop n Lock' electric tailgate lock on my 99. It works great! I had put a Lund tri-fold on and built a partition that slides into the bedliner grooves. I wanted a little bit of security for that back area. The lock works with my remote. How good is that? I put the little 'Tailgate Lock' sticker right under the handle so people don't yank on the handle when it's locked. BTW, lube up that whole latch system even if you are not putting a lock on - the tailgate latch will work so much better, you'll be glad.
See ya!