Is there a way to release the tailgate latch mechanism without the latch rods?

Is there a way to release the tailgate latch mechanism, without the latch rods?

I am trying to replace the tailgate latch mechanisms' with new mechanisms', but the tailgate is closed, and the truck didn't have the latch rods when I bought it used.

I do have the replacement latch rods, but one old latch mechanism looks like, where the latch rod connects to to metal pivot piece, isn't connected to anything else, just pivots freely.

Is there a way to release/unlatch the tailgate latch mechanisms' with a flathead screw driver, etc., so I can open the tailgate to have access to remove the old mechanisms"?

 

IMHO you would have to be in bed of truck, take cover off and manually exercise both left and right strikers

 

@BubbaW what do the strikers look like?

 

@BubbaW is spot on.

Take the tailgate plastic top cap off
Take the bedliner tailgate cover flap off, if exists
Take the tailgate access panel off next
Look inside the tailgate towards each stop light, you want to pull on this thing, where you see this cracked orange plastic, this is the arm the rod engages.

 

@shifty` Thanks for the help.

 

I'll have a tailgate clip restoration thread up soon, I hope. It'll give you the part numbers for the clips and stuff. I don't have the numbers for the rods, but more info on the clips you'll need (2 orange, 2 purple) is in this thread: https://www.tundras.com/threads/help-please.72456/#post-2158881

Don't bother with the Dorman generic replacement clip package others mention. They're garbage.

AND LUBE THE FUCKING LATCH STRICKERS AND HANDLE POINTS WHILE YOU'RE IN THERE, DAMMIT.

 

What's the recommended lube for this purpose? I used Dupont Multi Purpose dry film/wax, but if there's something better I'll use it next time.

 

I'd recommend whatever you believe will hold up the longest amount of time outdoors. I find white lithium grease tends to gum up after time, but a lot of people go that route, I've tried it, it works. Other people swear by Sil-Glyde which I happen to like for this purpose a lot. Some people like a fine oil, like 3-in-1. The only thing I don't recommend is old school WD-40, it's a water displacement agent (hence WD) and while it technically will act as a lubricant, I don't like to use it as one.

I feel like lube, mechanical and otherwise, is a very personal choice. Go with your preference.

Oh - and here's a tailgate teardown/rebuild write-up if it helps. I finally got off my ass just now and did my overhaul thanks to this thread.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/howto-tailgate-clip-repair-overhaul-beef-up-lube.94180/