Replace a Ford Ranger Truck Tailgate Handle?

Answer 1

On my '97 Ranger, this was a pretty simple fix, parts were readily available, and it was inexpensive.

1997 Ford Ranger Tailgate Handle Replacement

(Dorman Products, Inc. Part No. 79603; bar code 0 37495 79603 3)

You can get the replacement part from most any parts store, but you can get it online cheaper as long as the shipping cost is not too high and you don't mind waiting for it to arrive.

My truck has a bed liner, so I had to remove the tailgate piece of the bed liner, then the access plate, then remove the old handle, and then install the new handle.

1. Using T-30 Torx bit, remove eight screws and save the screws
2. Remove tailgate section of bed liner
3. Remove access plate
4. Inspect hardware and lubricate as needed
5. Remove two 10mm nuts on either side of handle assembly and save the nuts
6. "Snake" the handle out
7. "Snake" the new handle into position
8. Replace two 10mm nuts and tighten
9. Test tailgate by closing/opening a few times
10. Replace access plate making sure holes line up
11. Replace tail gate section of bed liner, make sure holes line up
12. Replace the eight T-30 screws hand tight through liner and access plate
13. Once everything is lined up, tighten the eight T-30 screws

This is maybe a 30 minute job as long as your screws are not rusted and you don't drop any in the grass.

Answer 2

Yes