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How to Replace Tailgate 1998-2012 Ford Ranger

Created on: 2016-08-30

How to remove or replace a loose or damaged tailgate on your vehicle on 01 Ford Ranger

  1. step 1 :Removing the Tailgate Cables
    • Pull out on the cable tab and lift the tailgate
    • Slide the tailgate cable up and off
  2. step 2 :Removing the Tailgate
    • Lift up the tailgate
    • Slide the tailgate off the right hinge
    • Slide the tailgate off the left hinge
  3. step 3 :Installing the Tailgate
    • Grease the hinge
    • Lift the tailgate cables up
    • Lift the tailgate up into place
    • Insert the tailgate into the right hinge first
    • Insert the tailgate into the left hinge
  4. step 4 :Installing the Tailgate Cables
    • Hook the tailgate cable into its slot
    • Grease the latch and tailgate mechanism

Tools needed

  • Flat Blade Screwdriver

    Rust Penetrant

    Anti-Seize Grease

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Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks!

In this video, we're going to be working on our 2001 Ford Ranger. We'll be showing you how to remove and reinstall the tailgate. You need to do this if you need it for extra long items or to do some servicing.

If you enjoy this repair, we've got many more videos for Ranger as well as other vehicles. Please click subscribe. Also, check out 1AAuto.com.

Here are the items you'll need for this repair: flat blade screwdriver, rust penetrant, and grease.

Open up your tailgate. To remove it, first you'll want to undo the tailgate cables. You can use your fingers, pull out on the tab, lift up the tailgate a little bit. Lift up the cable and off. Then for the other one, you can pry under that tab with a screwdriver and pull the tab out. Pull the cable off.

With the cables off, lift up your tailgate. Lift it off the right side first, and then slide it off the left side. Remove the tailgate.

Before we reinstall, put some grease right on this hinge. Make sure you lift your tailgate cables up as you replace the tailgate. Slide the left side on first.

Rehook the tailgate cables.

Before you close it up, just put a little bit of grease on your latch as well as on each side. Check your mechanism. Make sure they're nice and free, and put some grease on there as well.

Thanks for tuning in. We hope this video helped you out. Next time you need parts for your car, please visit 1AAuto.com. Also check out our other helpful how-to and diagnosis videos.


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