Tailgate Handle Not Working

[Spurshot]

I went quail hunting last weekend and a friend kept dropping my tailgate everytime he openned it, until it finally wouldn't unlatch. Big surprise!

 

Well, his dawuug was in the back and my truck has a Snugtop topper, so getting things out without openning the tailgate is a PITA. So, I climbed in the bed and disassembled it while he and my brother in law went hunting. In a few minutes, I had the thing apart and could see that the righthand rod had come out of the handle assembly. The retaining clips for the rod are plastic and the repeated dropping of the tailgate and the weight of the rod blew up the plastic clip. I tie-wrapped the rod to the handle assembly and left the bezel (that also broke the plastic clips when I removed it) off.

 

The good part is: I was done in about 10 minutes and walked right thru where those guys went after a covey and I bagged 3 birds. They had only 1 bird between the 2 of them when I finally caught up to them.

 

 

So, my question is: can I buy just the dang retaining clips or do I have to buy the whole dang handle assembly for $40???

 

Thanks

Chuck

[Stevens03]

Salvage yard might be a better choice

[lvlagnum]

Since your truck is an '08 it should still be under warranty. Talk to your dealership sevice advisor or the salesperson who sold it to you and the repair should be free. If it would cost too much in fuel to drive to the dealership, most autoparts and or hardware stores stock the plastic clips you need.

 

Cheers, lvlagnum.

 

PS: Give your "friend" a smack up the side of his head and tell him he owes you a box of beer for all the trouble and expense the repair took you.

[Spurshot]

Sorry, it's my old 99.

 

[lvlagnum]

Nice looking truck, Chuck. It looks like you've been taking good care of her. You should still be able to get the plastic clips you need from either a dealer, autoparts store or some hardware stores.

 

Cheers, lvlagnum.

[MADS99]

I have 2 of those Retaining Clips,But I don't know if they are for the Door handles or Tailgate handle.If you want to give them a try,I'd mail them to you.

[sonjaab]

Look in the Dorman/HELP parts section in your local big box parts store.

They should have them.

http://www.Dormanproducts.com

 

 

OR your local GM dealer: GM-15545178 1992-07 Chevy Truck Tailgate Rod Clips

 

Pics and info: http://www.mylrs.com/blogs/lrs/archive/200...e-problems.aspx

[az'03Silverado]

Those clips are like a buck at the dealer. No big deal.

[Spurshot]

Thanks guys, I knew I could depend on this site for help.

 

Merry Christmas

[amtz.zero]

Hey... that truck's not old yet...

 

 

You could check LMC truck too. Some stuff is too expensive though.

[desrtrat]

Thanks guys, I knew I could depend on this site for help.

 

Merry Christmas

WHAT HAPPENED to that poor girl.. someone stole her bumpers

 

just had to replace one of mine on my 03. any auto parts store carry them, only a couple of bucks..

also when i did mine i replaced both just becomes. also i sprayed some white grease on the latch rods, and the end clamps. works sooo much better..

 

[MS3DALE]

Yep,You can definitely just buy the clips Chuck,I stock a couple of each side (They are different LH/RH)

[MS3DALE]

Chuck,Gm part numbers are 88981030-RH and 88981031-LH

[cvandegna]

I called the 2 nearest dealers to me - and they each want $6-7. Are you freaking kidding me?!?!?!

[Prokopchuk_9]

buddy, the last 3 trucks ive owned and the one i own now are GMT 800. the 2006 im surprised i havent broke any yet this year. i keep a bag of them in my tool box in the back. those dont work good when its -40C, ive broke a bunch of those...my last truck i welded a washer to the rod so it couldnt come off!!! ahhaah got sick of replacing them...