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How To Replace Tailgate Handle Ford 1987-96 F150 F250 F350
How To Replace Tailgate Handle Ford 1987-96 F150 F250 F350
Created on: 2012-12-22
Tools used
Socket Extensions
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Rust Penetrant
T30 Driver
10mm Socket
Ratchet
1. Removing the Inner Tailgate Liner Protector
Remove the Phillips screws from the liner
Remove the liner
Remove the panel on the inner part of the tailgate with a T30 Torx Driver
Remove the panel
2. Removing the Tailgate Handle
Remove the two 10mm bolts from the tailgate handle
Unclip the latches from the tailgate handle rods
Remove the tailgate handle
3. Installing the Tailgate Handle
Insert the handle into place
Insert and tighten the 10mm bolts to the tailgate handle
Spray the hinges with rust penetrate
Test the tailgate handle
4. Installing the Inner Tailgate Liner Protector
Insert the panel on the inner part of the tailgate
Insert the T30 Torx screws to the inner part of the tailgate
Push the liner into place
Insert the Phillips screw into the liner
Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.
Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.
In this video, we're going to show you how to replace a tailgate handle on this '96 Ford pickup. It's pretty much the same for any '87 . '96 Ford F-150, 250, and even 350. Tools you'll need include T30 Torx driver as well as a 10mm socket with a ratchet and extension. This truck has a bed liner that uses Phillips screws, so if your truck has a bed liner in it you may need either a Phillips screwdriver or you may need some other tool depending on how your bed liner is held into the truck.
Start by opening your tailgate if you can. If your handle or mechanism is broken in a way that the tailgate won't open that's okay, you can just do these steps from the inside. This truck has a bed liner on it, so I'm using a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the bed liner to the tailgate. Some of these screws could be on there quite tough so you can see me bearing down quite a bit on some of them. Once I get those off I slip the bed liner off, and then there are four Torx screws still holding the access panel onto the bed.
If you don't have a bed liner you'll simply just have more of these screws holding the access panel on. Those screws are T30 Torx head screws, so I'd recommend a T30 Torx bit that you can put onto a ratchet handle. Once you get to this spot, if you haven't already gotten the tailgate open, you can open it just by squeezing here on this mechanism. You want to make sure this mechanism's all in good shape.
You're going to remove two 10mm nuts: one there and one there. Use a 10mm socket with an extension and a ratchet and the nuts come off. The handle just twists right down and out, and the new handle goes right back on in. Just make sure, as you put the handle up and in, lift up on the mechanism a little bit. Get the studs lined up and get the nuts on. With the tailgate up, just try and line the handle up as best you can. I'm just tightening up the nuts from the backside.
It's a good idea, while you're in here and have this opened up, to take some rust penetrant and spray all your mechanisms, then follow this up with a good coat of white grease. I'll speed up here again as I put the access plate back on. Again, my truck has a bed liner, so I put it on, put the four T30 Torx screws in first, tighten those up, then slip the bed liner cover over it and put the Phillips screws in. Again, depending on your bed liner, some of this hardware may be a little bit different but it should be basically the same idea.
We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.
DHA64585
In Stock
Product Reviews
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4.56/ 5.09
9 reviews
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Tailgate handle
G
August 21, 2017
My tailgate stop working on my 1990 F250. I look up the video on 1A Auto on replacing the handle. I ordered the handle, which came in a couple of days, and easily place the new handle on. It works like a charm now!
T
October 4, 2017
ordering was easy, finding the part i needed, was there great, everything fit to the tee, would not have bough it any where else, thanks
Perfect
Richard
October 10, 2017
I ordered the part in the middle of the afternoon. It was already in my mailbox the next day. The part was exact to the original and installation was a breeze. Thank you 1AAuto. I have used your services before and will continue to do so. The local parts stores in our area have to order most parts. I cut out the middle man.
It worked perfect
samuela
February 11, 2018
Just installed n it took about 30 min thanks the Video it made it super easy thanks.
1A. A+
Doug
October 2, 2018
Excellent Fit, Function, Aesthetics. Would buy again!
F150 tailgate handle
John
August 18, 2020
Tailgate handle was perfect. Video on how to install was the best. My go to place for auto parts.
Broke during installation
A
September 9, 2020
One of the threaded pieces just snapped right off when I was tightening the nut. I don't think I was overtightening. It was just poorly made. Luckily I managed to fix my original handle to get me by.
Exactly what it should be.
William
June 25, 2021
Product is an exact replacement for the OEM. This works as good as the OEM did.
Julio
January 2, 2024
FIT PERFECT!
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