Any ideas? it got dropped pretty hard right before I closed it the last time and now I cant open it. I can pull the handle just fine but it wont budge. Any help is appreciated!
-Joe

 

You will have to remove the access cover to see what has happened.

There is a handful of bolts that hold this cover in place.

Normally tailgate latches and related parts suffer from a lack of lubrication.

However since you said it dropped hard you may have a broken part.

Pull the cover have someone work the handle for you to see if both latches are being released properly.

It should be obvious what the problem is once you get the cover off.

 

Ok that was my original plan but I thought I should ask here first, Thanks!

 

my tailgate wont open unless you push in on it! it is a standard ford problem. i know i know why dont i adjust the latches, well for the non ford guys it acts like a lock so i like it!

 

You have a standard lack of maintenance problem, This has nothing to do with Ford.

 

Ea trust when i say it is not due to lack of maintenance! lol the latch operates freely it just needs adjustment which i dont think needs done. im not the only ford guy in central florida that has this problem and we all know the trick to open a ford tail gate! i travel from pensacola to miami at least once a month and all the ford guys i know have this. not just rangers but f 150 to f 550's

 

the problems is the tailgate handle as on many rangers the handle is plastic. 93-97 handles are metal and swap right in

 

OK so you know a bunch of Ford owners that do not repair their truck once it is in need of repair.

This is not a Ford thing it is a lack of maintenance and can happen to all trucks.

Most trucks get dirt,rocks, leaves and other debris stuck between the tailgate and the bed then the owner slams the tailgate shut rather than making sure this pinch point is clear of debris.

When they go to open it the next time it may be stuck shut or require more force than normally needed to open it.

Other things that happen is heavy loads get slammed into the tail gate when accelerating that can deform the tail gate and bed sides.

And yes as mentioned by Black06xlt the handles on some Rangers are cheap plastic crap that wear out and need to be replaced.

All of which is maintenance that can effect any trucks tailgate not just a Fords tailgate.