Replacing the Tailgate Handle in my 2000 Ford Ranger

My biggest complaint with the operation of my Ranger was that the tailgate was a pain to open. Eventually, I couldn’t open it at all. This is why:

After researching the cost of a used and new tailgate handle for my 2000 Ranger, I decided to order one from eBay seller directauto. The new tailgate handle cost me peanuts and arrived today. It is not a Ford part, but it appears to be just as robust and it fits perfectly.

I used the following video as a guide for installation:

The only thing I can add to that video is to have a pair of pliers on hand to grab your nuts if you drop them. Otherwise, installation was just that easy. The hardest part was finding the right screwdriver bit for removing the tailgate cover screws and then for the nuts holding the handle assembly.

I can’t believe the difference a little grease, WD-40, and a new handle makes! My tailgate now opens effortlessly.

7 thoughts on “Replacing the Tailgate Handle in my 2000 Ford Ranger

  1. MacGyver Jr. at it again.
    It’s always nice to have everything working right.
    Good job 🙂
    Vicki

  2. Very nice job! There seems to be nothing you can’t do. And thanks for the advice about having the pliers on hand….. You can never be too careful! 🙂

  3. Thanks for a good laugh this a.m. I read the part about pliers for grabbing your nuts- LOL Watch out guys!
    Glad your tailgate is no longer a problem. Isn’t it a great feeling when you do something you haven’t done before, and it gets fixed?
    (patting Rae on the back & giving her an ATTA GIRL button!)

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