Tailgate Rattling!!

[OCMike]

I can't figure this one out. I've taken apart most of the tailgate and still can't find what's rattling. It's coming from near the top of the tailgate on the driver side. I'm pretty sure it's inside the tailgate. I've removed the covers, rolled up the window while the tailgate was down. Removed the plastic trim. Looked and felt around inside for anything that might be loose. I've also used pieces of cardboard around the edges and hinges to see if that would fix it.

Anyone have any ideas what else I should look at or do?

 

[MT Tatman]

Could it be the window itself, shaking a bit and making the noise? Maybe the felt window seal is worn?

 

[OCMike]

I was wondering that also. I stuffed 2 strips of cardboard down each side of the window opening on that side and it still rattled. I didn't check the track though. It does rattle no matter what position the window is in.

 

[Iroke17]

The arms on the sides of mine make noise

 

[Bad_Vision]

the track might be loose or broken get a flashlight and a compact mirror and look for the tap that the track slides into to.

 

[OCMike]

I figured out what it is. Now, how do I fix it.

Inside the tailgate. This metal rod is supposed to connect to something. On the other side, it looks like it connects to the latch.

It exits the bottom of the tailgate and goes under the truck. What is it, and what does it do?

 

[OCMike]

Does anyone have an exploded view of the rear tailgate from a Chiltons or Haynes manual? I cannot, for the life of me, find mine since we moved.

 

[OCMike]

AHHA! Torsion bar! I can't see that it connects to anything. Just need a piece of rubber tubing to cover the end I think. Wish I would have known this when I was at the salvage yard this morning.

 

[Bad_Vision]

use a piece of garden hose or heater hose anything to keep it from metal on metal rattle.

 

[rcp916]

Haha! I just figured out what that darn thing is yesterday. I was welding in a new cross member tying the frame rails together in the rear of my 2nd gen and had to remove that deal cause it was in my way. When I was done I needed something out of the back and SLAM!! I didnt know the tail gate was so HEAVY!!

Im gonna have to fab up a way to put it back on now because now the crossmember is in the way!!!!! Hahaha

 

[OCMike]

Well, I have fixed 99% of the rattle. It cost me a whopping .28¢ so far. I purchased a foot of rubber hose at Lowes and slid it over the metal rod. It still hits the tailgate when I hit a bump though. I'm going to see if I have any egg crate foam around the house and wedge that in. But so far, it's a much quieter ride.