Multiple Tailgate Latches

Chris929 · Nov 23, 2006

I'm in the process of putting on a new tailgate on my 85 and when I was putting it back together I realized that the cutouts for the latches on either side were not the same as the ones I had taken out. The old ones were much bigger and unreinforced. The holes in my new shell were smaller and were reinforced with another piece of metal that had been spot welded from the inside.

So I have a couple of questions about this...

Is there a reason they are different?

If I were to buy a new pair through LMC which ones would I be getting, they only sell one kind?

Seabronc · Nov 23, 2006

Where did you get the new tail gate and was it OEM or aftermarket? OEM gates usually cost 750+ depending on where you got it. What year range was the gate for? You can also get hardware from Jeff's Bronco Graveyard http://www.broncograveyard.com

>-

Chris929 · Nov 23, 2006

Seabronc said:
Where did you get the new tail gate and was it OEM or aftermarket? OEM gates usually cost 750+ depending on where you got it. What year range was the gate for? You can also get hardware from Jeff's Bronco Graveyard http://www.broncograveyard.com

>-

I got it on Ebay so I'm not sure whether it's OEM or aftermarket, and the price was good because of a few dents and dings so that doesn't help either, I just always figured it was aftermarket. The year range said 78-96. I already checked the graveyard but they only had one set and they looked like the bigger ones I already had.

Justshootme84 · Nov 23, 2006

I thought I read somewhere that the tailgates have some differences from 78-81 and 82-up, aside from styling or trim. IF you have any pics of the latches, I think I have a pic from my 88 parts Bronco. Or if the ones you need are for the 78-81, might have to look for them in a salvage yard if Bronco Graveyard doesn't have them. Not sure which type you need, or what type of strikers your Bronco has. JSM84

Pic of 88 Tailgate parts:

miesk5 · Nov 24, 2006

yo; following courtesy of Mike M

Tailgate Swapping

Amazingly throughout the number of body style changes from '78 through '96, the tailgate remained nearly the same. You can swap tailgates between all of these years taking note of the following:

I've broken down the 3 major changes into their respective years.

78 - 79 Type A

80 - 82 Type B

83 - 96 Type C

If your swapping within the same "type" it's just a direct swap.

If swapping A & B you have to switch the glass and glass support brackets

If swapping B & C you have to switch latches and striker plates

If swapping A & C you have to switch the glass, glass support brackets, latches & striker plates.

Justshootme84 · Nov 24, 2006

Ah, yes!!! Thanks, MiesK5!!! I bet it was on your webpage that I read that info, good stuff!!! JSM84

Chris929 · Nov 27, 2006

Thanks that helped a bunch.

I don't soppose anyone knows where I could get a set of latches and strikers for an 80-82 tailgate then?

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firelt90bronco · Nov 27, 2006

Junk yard.

Multiple Tailgate Latches

Chris929

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Seabronc

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Chris929

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Justshootme84

Rest in Peace Friend! Never forgotten..

miesk5

96 Bronco 5.0

Justshootme84

Rest in Peace Friend! Never forgotten..

Chris929

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firelt90bronco

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