The other day I lifted my tailgate handle to load something, and snap, the left side of the handle going into the internals of the tailgate broke. So it's hanging on by the other side.
I still needed to get it down, so I started investigating. I used a screwdriver to slide the lock open on the broken side of the tailgate where it latches on to the bed. It's funny that people get those Pop Locks or whatever so you can't use the handle, when you can use a screwdriver on each end and have the tailgate off in a few seconds. You just push the wedge that springs past the loop-type lock.
I ordered a new handle kit of ebay yesterday, we'll see how that installs.

 

Thats a pretty common problem. takes 5 minutes to reinstall the new handle.

 

leave it off and shave it!

 

I would if I had a welder and stuff. Then i'd have to get it painted, more work and money than I want. It is awesome though, i'll think about it.

 

should have bought the metal one to replace the plastic one. the older metal one's fit the newer one's

 

how much was the handle on ebay? i broke mine back in december and just went to the ford dealer, it was like 12 bucks for a new one.. i had everything fixed and working again in like 10 mins.

 

It cost me 12 or so plus shipping, so 18 total.
Is yours all plastic as the original oem. The one I got says it is all metal. I could of got it in chrome, but i'm keeping to the darker look.

 

Jeez, I have the plastic handle off my truck I'd have sent you for the cost of shipping. I replaced it with a painted-to-match metal handle from the 98-99 truck.

 

It's too late now, I guess I should have posted before I bought it.

 

Yup.. um.. the offer for a free tailgate handle (you pay shipping) stands if anyone else needs one.. its just riding around in my toolbox.

 

THUS why you always post before you buy!!! haha

 

I did the same thing, but only after my plastic one broke. Metal is the way to go...stronger than plastic, easier to paint and the same price or cheaper.

 

man i love having the metal one stock hehehe

 

do the dealers stock the metal ones?

 

its the stock plastic one. i didnt bother to ask for the metal one.. i didnt care for the difference honestly.

 

Just thought I would add myself to the list of busted tailgate handles. While preparing my Chariot for the blizzard on saturday evening, I went to get some stuff out of the back. Grabbed the handle and the right side snapped off like a twig. So I had to undo the cover in the cold, of course not being able to resnap it closed again. So I decided to throw my fire gear in the cab so it doesn't get covered in snow... wouldn't you know the strap to my helmet was stuck under the tailgate? It took me about 10 minutes of tugging to get it out.

 

Nice to hear! haha. If you didn't know you can open the tailgate from the inside by inserting a flathead screwdriver into the lock mechanism on each side, or just the broken side and pull the handle on the good side.

 

yeah mine broke back over the summer, i had to do the screwdriver thing every time i needed to open it, actually what you can do if only one side is broken is open it up and then use something to hold the little tab down, that way it will still stay up but pull on the good side and it will come down...

i actually just ordered a new handle from underdog... i have no idea when it will be here though.. oh and i got the metal one.

 

I just ordered one from Underdog as well. In the meantime, I'm going to shimmy it open later and jam the busted side from locking like you said.

 

I keep hearing about the chrome metal tailgate handles and would like one but does any one make a door handle. A full replacement chrome metal door handle ont just a cover. The only way I would replace the tail gate handle is if it matched the doors.

 

Mine just broke yesterday. How much and where do I get a black metal one? I have an 03 FX4..

Wowak, do you still have yours free w/ shipping?

 

black or chrome metal tailgate handles at www.underdog-performance.com
thats where i got mine and it looks good

 

You can take it.. I'm buying a steal one from the underdog..

 

I have a stock one laying around somewhere. swaped for one from Underdog (Works great thanks Wayne). Gime a day to find it and I'll send it to anyone that needs it.