Tailgate alignment

wetidlerjr

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I'm glad you found the fix. I love an easy solution but the dealer should have taken care of this when you brought it in. I don't think I would do any more business with him. :cool:
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bulldogger

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Hi,

I’ve been browsing this forum for several mos leading to picking up a new ranger last wknd. I’ve enjoyed the truck, but I’m just curious y’all’s thoughts on my tailgate. Passenger side is flush, but driver side is like 1/2 inch off. Lots of daylight through the gap. Called the local dealership and was made to understand that this is “normal” on the new rangers? Haven’t seen that much else on tailgate alignment on here. I’ve seen quite a bit on hood and door fitting. Regardless, guess I’m calling their body shop tomorrow.

is the build quality just absolute crap on these new rangers? I’ve posted some pics as well. Thanks advance for any insight or opinion.

8FCDC87A-A861-4C40-A796-60908A540785.jpeg
24854511-D257-4ECE-9BC4-13B1B80560A2.jpeg
My truck look exactly like that. It is simply the top bar is in towards the truck cab too far not allowing the second part of the latch too catch. Move the metal bar mounted on the truck to you about a 1/4 in and gate will close flush
 
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Matt20714

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My truck look exactly like that. It is simply the top bar is in towards the truck cab too far not allowing the second part of the latch too catch. Move the metal bar mounted on the truck to you about a 1/4 in and gate will close flush
What bar are you talking about? Thanks.
 

THLONE

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You probably need a special tool or two. Block of wood, hammer, crowbar. The rule is if it wont go then force it. :rockon:
 
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Matt20714

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Honestly I’m gonna let it ride. After hearing the responses on this forum, If I close it with some authority it’s flush and fine. If something happens down the road then I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.
 


bulldogger

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What bar are you talking about? Thanks.
The bar that the latch catches. Loosen that bar it is two torx heads, move that bar towards you about a 1/4 of an inch slightly retighten it and shut the tailgate. If gate is flush then open gate and fully tighten bar.

IMG_1779 (1).jpg
 

P. A. Schilke

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The bar that the latch catches. Loosen that bar it is two torx heads, move that bar towards you about a 1/4 of an inch slightly retighten it and shut the tailgate. If gate is flush then open gate and fully tighten bar.

IMG_1779 (1).jpg
Hi David,

Thanks! Was going to take a similar pix but wife's honey Doo got in the way....

My take is that the tailgate was on the secondary latch and not the primary latch. If you gently push the tailgate until it clicks you are on the secondary latch and if you push harder it clicks home on the primary latch...same as the doors...

If not, I am dismayed that this misalignment made it out of the assembly plant if not the simple fact it was only on the first latch of a two part process.

Best.
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired
 
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Matt20714

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The bar that the latch catches. Loosen that bar it is two torx heads, move that bar towards you about a 1/4 of an inch slightly retighten it and shut the tailgate. If gate is flush then open gate and fully tighten bar.

IMG_1779 (1).jpg
Thanks for taking the time to explain what you meant (with pics). I will prob try that Bc it seems simple enough.

And to add to what Phil is saying...if I gently close it, then the “1st” latch catches via the pics I put at the top of the page. (With the big overhang) After that latches, I’ve tried to push/bump further after this 1st latch, but no go. I have to close it with authority for it to catch the 2nd latch. This is only on the driver side. Passenger side seems fine, both latches.
 

Cabose-1

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I have this gap on both sides of my tailgate. All 3 sides actually. You an see the bed in the gap. The bottom has a big gap too. Where all the dust and water comes in for people with bed covers. But the tailgate closes solid and flush.

20210421_211726.jpg


20210421_211313.jpg
 
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bulldogger

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Hi David,

Thanks! Was going to take a similar pix but wife's honey Doo got in the way....

My take is that the tailgate was on the secondary latch and not the primary latch. If you gently push the tailgate until it clicks you are on the secondary latch and if you push harder it clicks home on the primary latch...same as the doors...

If not, I am dismayed that this misalignment made it out of the assembly plant if not the simple fact it was only on the first latch of a two part process.

Best.
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired
Nope you got it it, takes about two minutes to address and fix. I understand the Honey doo list I will probably be dead before mine is Finished:LOL:
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