Lock/Unlock Mechanism on Rear Tailgate
 

Hello Everyone,

New member -- just scored a 1998 and I've already got an issue. A few days after purchase, the rear tailgate handle would not engage. I pulled off the back panels and noticed a white plastic clip had come off a lever that opened the tailgate. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that plastic piece slides up and down when locking and unlocking the vehicle. When locked, it goes all the way to the top and after a few times comes right off. It has to go all the way down to engage the lever and a shorter lever to actually open the tailgate. Anyway, I just used some duct tape and taped the plastic piece all the way down so it stays engaged -- the only problem is now the tailgate can't lock -- no big deal, but I wondered if any other 3rd Gen owner had to deal with this issue.

BTW: really enjoy reading through the mod/build threads, there are some really talented people on here and I look forward to contributing my projects in the future.