Need help with tailgate latch

[roadie114]

Hi guys,

I have an '85 K5 Blazer with a rear window that has a manual crank. I recently have been trying to rebuild it, and have replaced the actuator (clutch was slipping) and it's working fine now. But I need help reassembling the tailgate latch. The spring on the hinge assembly was loose and not in place when I found it. I'm having a hard time seeing where the window up position "interlock" connects to the hinge assembly, and also how/where the spring is connected. I've looked at the LMC drawing on page 44 but these components aren't that detailed. Can anybody take a pic of their setup, or guide me in the right direction? Thx!!

 

[blaznjon]

there is a Z shaped rod that is attached with a plastic bushing that is bolted to the tailgate on the driver side bottom with two bolts.when the glass slides down it pushes the Z bar down until it clears the slots in the center latch mechanism.the spring is hooked to the top part of the Zbar and through a little hole in the tailgate metal. hope that helps.look at the shadow drawing on page 44 LMC catalog the z bar plastic bushing is what bolt 27 and washer hold on.they show one bolt there are two bolts that hold the plastic bushing that holds the Z bar.they are at the bottom just under the access cover.

 

[roadie114]

there is a Z shaped rod that is attached with a plastic bushing that is bolted to the tailgate on the driver side bottom with two bolts.when the glass slides down it pushes the Z bar down until it clears the slots in the center latch mechanism.the spring is hooked to the top part of the Zbar and through a little hole in the tailgate metal. hope that helps.

Ahh, so the spring goes from the Z bar to the tailgate hole, and not to any of the little holes in the latch control assembly?

How does the interlock work? It seems that I may be missing some pieces. Does the top of the Z bar slide into a hole in the latch control assembly?

 

[blaznjon]

to the small hole in the driver side corner on the center under the big slots you get the bolts through.theres only one small hole.

 

[roadie114]

to the small hole in the driver side corner on the center under the big slots you get the bolts through.theres only one small hole.

Perfect, thank you so much. One last question . I noticed on the latch assembly there is a hex bolt that isn't a mounting bolt, but rather an adjustment bolt. My rods don't release properly (too loose or too tight), is that what this bolt is for? Thx again.

 

[blaznjon]

Yes the bolt is to take the slack out of the rods.the bolt is left hand thread.if your sure you want to mess with it,here goes with the tailgate down close the right and left latches on the tailgate.move the handle a little and you will see a line up hole in the latch.jamb a drill bit or small zip tie through the holes to keep them lined up loosen the left hand threaded bolt pull most of the slack out of both rods.tighten up bolt,pull handle and see if they both unlatch at the same time.you might have to mess around with it a bit.latch both latches again and pull the handle make sure they work before you put the panel back on.good luck.

 

[roadie114]

Yes the bolt is to take the slack out of the rods.the bolt is left hand thread.if your sure you want to mess with it,here goes with the tailgate down close the right and left latches on the tailgate.move the handle a little and you will see a line up hole in the latch.jamb a drill bit or small zip tie through the holes to keep them lined up loosen the left hand threaded bolt pull most of the slack out of both rods.tighten up bolt,pull handle and see if they both unlatch at the same time.you might have to mess around with it a bit.latch both latches again and pull the handle make sure they work before you put the panel back on.good luck.

Thx man. Yeah I 'm missing the foam pieces for the rods too and that messes up the release of the latches. Soon as I make and install those those ill mess with the adjustment. The rods r a bit bent and I have to fix them too. Right now slilicone spray has been the best tool lol.

 

[diaric]

there is a Z shaped rod that is attached with a plastic bushing that is bolted to the tailgate on the driver side bottom with two bolts.when the glass slides down it pushes the Z bar down until it clears the slots in the center latch mechanism.the spring is hooked to the top part of the Zbar and through a little hole in the tailgate metal. hope that helps.look at the shadow drawing on page 44 LMC catalog the z bar plastic bushing is what bolt 27 and washer hold on.they show one bolt there are two bolts that hold the plastic bushing that holds the Z bar.they are at the bottom just under the access cover.

Thank you for this explanation even though its an old thread. Putting my gate back together after a long restoration and I was sure I had the mechanism together properly but it wouldn't work. No window in yet explains that I have it correct. It was a long search to find the answer, as most drawings arn't very detailed on the spring and rod.