Good evening,
I'm not sure what they're name is but I'm referring to the two L shaped rods that fit under and into the tailgate that provide tension to assist when lowering... Anyway, when driving they are free-floating and rattle quite a bit over bumpy terrain. Is there any fix to reduce/eliminate the rattle?

Thanks in advance
donovan

 

Are you sure that's where your rattle is coming from? I ask because I've found the two hanger straps on either side of the tailgate to rattle when their little plastic anti-rattle brackets break -- I'd check those first.

As far as I can recall, those torsion springs under the tailgate to lighten the load are under tension at all times on my '87.

Here's a part # for the anti-rattle plastic parts that go on the sides of the tailgate opening to keep the hinged straps from rattling.

 

there are four of the anti-rattle clips used. 1 at each side on the body opening and one at each side on the tailgate.

 

Thanks Blueman. I'll certainly order a set of those as both of mine are broken. However, after taking time yesterday to narrow down where the rattle was coming from I wrapped the tailgate hangers with pieces of inner-tube, and tightened a few screws in the tailgate inner cover. It was while I had the inner cover off to lube the rear window regulator and with the tailgate closed I was able to reach in and move the right torsion spring back and forth. Which is what I'm hearing when driving. I didn't check the left...

Thanks

 

Thanks wallytoo.

 

the tension springs/rods pass into the tailgate via a plastic grommet. perhaps the grommets are missing?

 

That's probably the case... I'll take another look and see one or both are missing.

Thanks.