Rare tailgate latch?
 

Hey guys, I am a proud new Yota owner with a question. I have an 88 2wd pickup with an odd tailgate that I've had trouble finding elsewhere. Instead of one latch in the middle, there are two manual style latches on both sides of the tailgate. Can anybody tell me anything about this tailgate and maybe where i could find another? This one is kinda rusty. Thanks in advance!

How about a pic or two
Sounds like you might have an 79-83 tailgate
Welcome aboard :wave:

Welcome! :wave:

A picture would help!

1984-1988 two-wheel drive trucks could have a two-latch tailgate. Usually they are found on the most basic models.

Does it look like this?

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...23d921b21d.jpg
Photo source:http://www.jims59.com/1988ToyotaTruck/

A used one from a salvage yard is probably your best bet. I will have to look and see if there is a two latch style tailgate aftermarket.

:safari:

Thanks!
 

Yep, that's the one. The truck has a few rust spots that I'm not too worried about at the moment, but the tailgate has quite a bit around the rotating point that I'm a little concerned about. Thanks for posting the pic, I may be able to get a few tomorrow sometime.

Jake's the man..Good job
I didn't look or read that it was a 2wd, stuck on 4s

Yep, some base model 2WD trucks with the Japanese style beds (curved bedrail) got the two latch tailgate.

2WD Trucks got both the Japanese and American style beds. 4WD Trucks only got American style beds, so they never had the two latch style tailgate for this generation.

Edit: above is for U.S.A. spec. trucks, other markets are different.
:safari:

Cool!

Here are a few pics
 

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...df565d1f81.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...2ce3639beb.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...9a217289e8.jpg

Like I said, there's definitely some rust that needs taken care of, buy i think it's a pretty cool little truck. Has 130,000 original miles. Suffered from front end damage, but me and Dad were able to straighten it out decent enough. Still looking for a new(er) hood, and eventually a new 2wd fender, but I don't think it looks too bad with the 4wd fender on lol. What are your guys thoughts? What are some things I should do to the truck first?

Looks like theses guys have one

http://www.ranchotoyotatruckparts.co...235Z21785.html

Old Toyota trucks, 2wd and 4wd, came with that bed here in Europe:
https://blog.toyota.co.uk/history-of-the-toyota-hilux

-Close, but that is for a 1979-1983 Truck. It will probably fit, but might look weird.

Europe (and basically everywhere else) got a lot of cool options that the Americans did not get.

I edited my previous post to mention for U.S. trucks only. Of course the American style beds were for the Americans. It was probably a move Toyota did to compete against its American competitors.

:safari:

Well we'll see if I ever try to help again :laugh:

LOL
Bad hair day Jacob?
Quote: "Can't we all just get along"

It is just a little mistake, just trying to help! :D

:safari:

Unless you are stuck on getting original style for the show and shine you can buy different latches that would work. Marine stainless steel latches or as some use on hot rods-- seat belt buckles mounted on inside of box. Lots of options.