Yo bt,
Welcome!
Some have said they STRONGLY secured the regulator to a work bench or structure and used small come a long, etc to bend the arms to a position.. as shown by Steve at
http://www.supermotors.net/registry/2742/12689-2
and Dustin at
http://ylobronc.users.superford.org/tailgate2.html
One has written, " I push it against something to steady the center piece (like over a leg), I can push them together (or at least the swing of the gears). So you think it is shot? Is there a way to crank it up?"
Steve replied "I wouldn't try to mess with one. Even the whimpy spring in the underhood reel light will give you a wicked thrashing - I'd hate to see what's left of a finger that got caught by that regulator spring."
So, lol for one in a yard queen, clean and **** it up as Steve shows.
While at it, check both torsion rod bracket on right side and inside.. Steve shows how to relieve the torsion bar (torque rod) "by bracing it against the tailgate & removing its guide loop from the body. Forgetting to brace it before removing the bolts can cause injury, especially if done with the tailgate fully down (torsion bar fully loaded). I use this large combination wrench with a piece of thin cardboard under the corner to protect the paint."
For a YARD SEARCH on-line, I use;
http://www.hollanderparts.com/
Select All Parts
year, etc, then FORD TRUCK
--
or
http://www.copartfinder.com/finder/searchMake.do
Has Vehicle Pics! They show about 4 - 5 pics per vehicle incl. interior/dash, back seat, front & rear and engine bay.
..
http://www.car-parts.com/
http://www.picknpull.com
This is a Company name w/yard locations in various states
Also for obsolete parts by Ford pn:
http://www.partsvoice.com/
http://www.rearcounter.com
http://www.greensalescompany.com
also, to get accurate info when posting Qs, soon in your profile, include your year, Model (XLT, etc.) engine size; transmission, transfer case, locking hub types and any major mods such as body or suspension lift.