The handle on my 07 XLT tail gate broke on one side, reading here it looks like the best option is to order a metal one from the local dealer.

Any idea on how much it will cost ???

If anyone has a metal one for sale please let me know

Thanks, Doug

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008L5J5G6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1398008124&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40

Takes 10 minutes to replace

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2001 XLT 4.0 Ext Cab 4X4 Offroad Package
4.10s, 8.8, LSD.
06+ Mirrors

I never understand how people manage to break the tailgate handles on rangers. The one on my 02 is stronger than both my doorhandles.

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For me the plastic piece that connects inside of the tailgate to open it snapped a few weeks after I bought the truck... So I just bought a metal one and been fine ever since haha.

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2001 XLT 4.0 Ext Cab 4X4 Offroad Package
4.10s, 8.8, LSD.
06+ Mirrors

You can get one off a late 90s Ranger. That's what I did on my 03 Edge. It's a metal handle so its a lot stronger.

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2003 Ford Ranger FX4: 4.0L V6 | Auto | 4.10s | 265/75R16 BFG AT KO2 | Ion Alloy 174 | Pioneer radio | Alpine Speakers| 06 tails | Thunderbolt turn signal mirrors | Kobalt Toolbox | 22" LED lightbar | Blackout headlights | Headache Rack | 140K miles. DWB!
Build Thread <-- Clicky
March 2015 TOTM

2016 Ford Fusion SE. 1.5L EcoBoost. 6-speed Auto. White Platinum Tri-Coat Metallic. 18" 5 spoke black rims. Daily Driver.

Lubricating the latch mechanisms prevents handles from breaking. Should be done to doors and hood latch as well as the tailgate.

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2001 Ranger XLT, regular cab, stepside, 2.5L, 5 speed, 3.73 rear. All stock, mostly original, but modifications are planned.
72 Chevelle Concours wagon, 454 Fuel Injected BB, 4L80E, 3.31 geared 12 bolt, GM 4 wheel disc brakes

For ten bucks it's probably less hassle to just order the one off amazon haha. Unless you have a 90s ranger sittin around

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2001 XLT 4.0 Ext Cab 4X4 Offroad Package
4.10s, 8.8, LSD.
06+ Mirrors

NAPA sells them too, Part Number: NOE 735638 all metal, NOE 7356368 for a plastic replacement.

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2001 Ranger XLT, regular cab, stepside, 2.5L, 5 speed, 3.73 rear. All stock, mostly original, but modifications are planned.
72 Chevelle Concours wagon, 454 Fuel Injected BB, 4L80E, 3.31 geared 12 bolt, GM 4 wheel disc brakes

True that! Or you can just get one for free from one sitting in the parking lot. Lol! Jk...don't do that.

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2003 Ford Ranger FX4: 4.0L V6 | Auto | 4.10s | 265/75R16 BFG AT KO2 | Ion Alloy 174 | Pioneer radio | Alpine Speakers| 06 tails | Thunderbolt turn signal mirrors | Kobalt Toolbox | 22" LED lightbar | Blackout headlights | Headache Rack | 140K miles. DWB!
Build Thread <-- Clicky
March 2015 TOTM

2016 Ford Fusion SE. 1.5L EcoBoost. 6-speed Auto. White Platinum Tri-Coat Metallic. 18" 5 spoke black rims. Daily Driver.

Haha may as well just take the whole tailgate at that point... At which point you may as well take the whole bed.. At which point you may as well take the whole truck.. Sooo to fix your tailgate handle you should steal a truck.

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2001 XLT 4.0 Ext Cab 4X4 Offroad Package
4.10s, 8.8, LSD.
06+ Mirrors

Joke
^^^^
Your head.
-_-

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2003 Ford Ranger FX4: 4.0L V6 | Auto | 4.10s | 265/75R16 BFG AT KO2 | Ion Alloy 174 | Pioneer radio | Alpine Speakers| 06 tails | Thunderbolt turn signal mirrors | Kobalt Toolbox | 22" LED lightbar | Blackout headlights | Headache Rack | 140K miles. DWB!
Build Thread <-- Clicky
March 2015 TOTM

2016 Ford Fusion SE. 1.5L EcoBoost. 6-speed Auto. White Platinum Tri-Coat Metallic. 18" 5 spoke black rims. Daily Driver.

The metal handles are available coated in chrome or painted in black. Pretty affordable too.

Black linked above, chrome linked here: http://www.amazon.com/Ranger-Chrome-Replacement-Tailgate-Handle/dp/B005XRGUG8
Adding chrome door handle covers to the stock plastic '00+ handles add significant strength to the handles. You can scuff and paint them body color or satin black too.


You'll be surprised on when it does finally happen! I was on two Rangers...one that regularly had it's tailgate opened dozens of times per day. Regularly lubed too.

THIS.

It's amazing how amazingly smooth the tailgate latches with little force when the mechanism is lubed. I use a silicone spray lubricant at the two latches on the ends and the X pivot inside the tailgate.

No more slamming of tailgates.

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'01 XLT disguised as a '03 Fx4 Level II.

I got a new handle for $21 shipped from 1A Auto. lol it was an easy fix.

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I will try the local NAPA store and see if they can get me one, THANKS for the tip Phillip

If they do not have one available I'll then try Amazon or E Bay and as a last resort I'll go to the Ford store

Today I was at a real lock smith shop and managed to get a spare key made for $58.71 , a bargain compared to what the Ford store probably would have demanded

I've never heard of a spare key costing that much. My local hardware store made me a spare key for free once.

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- 2002 XLT Ext. Cab - 4.0L - FX4 - 4.10 LS - 31x10.5x15 GW A/T on Alcoas - Kenwood HU - Memphis Sub - Rockford Amp -
- Custom Whelen Reciever Light - Weatherguard Toolbox -
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