Tailgate latch replacement

[zamboknee]

My tailgate latch is losing it's springiness and isn't shitting without using a lot of effort.
I'm heading to the junkyard but wanted to know if anyone knew where I can find schematic/diagram for this system? Repair guide?
While I'm at it any recommendations on where to get the part in case junkyards a bust.
Thanks

 

[MStudt]

My tailgate latch is losing it's springiness and isn't shitting without using a lot of effort.
I'm heading to the junkyard but wanted to know if anyone knew where I can find schematic/diagram for this system? Repair guide?
While I'm at it any recommendations on where to get the part in case junkyards a bust.
Thanks

Just make sure it's not shitting to hard, might get a hernia. I'm sure you can find one on here from someone who is parting out in the classified section. Worse case you can get them from the dealer for about $80. Here's a thread that will walk you through it.

 

[MONTYMTB]

 

[macshemi57]

So I figure I'd be the one to dig this thread up since I've been doing some digging and having a similar problem with the latchspring being broke. My bracket in the OP picture is rusted as well. This thread just stopped after the shit joke

 

[jonorok]

I don't think there are any guides, schematics, or writeups, but it probably doesn't need one.

Mine was completely rusted out. 1 junkyard and a couple hours later (it was really rusty) It worked like new.

Just pop the hatch. You have to remove the plastic trim, which isn't too bad - there are several plastic fasteners around, they are easy to find.

Once you've got the trim off the hatch, you may have waterproofing plastic in the way, if you do, cut it out. Mine didn't.

The next part is tricky to do, but makes sense when you're looking at it. You need to unbolt both the window mechanism and the black license plate valance. Various 10mm and 8mm bolts and plastic fasteners stand in your way. And the back glass. Prepare to spend half an hour rolling the glass up and down to access bolt heads and move the assembly.

It helps to have small hands, and bolts that aren't rusted to crap. It's not complicated, but it can be tedious and difficult depending on how badly rust has set in.

I think I took a couple pictures when I did mine - let me dig around and see what I can find...

 

[jonorok]

Yeah... I don't have any pics of the process, but as you can see there are two parts to the latch.

The Junkyard '97 part was not identical to my old rusty '99 latch, as you can see, but the pieces worked together perfectly, so I don't think it mattered.

 

[01 Stellar]

my liftgate latch broke on me right after i got it. i just ordered a new and and the trim piece to go around it and put them both on new.