tailgate latch mechanism?

[Dirty Harry]

New to this forum, did a search for tailgate latch mechanism and came up empty.

I recently bought a 1987 GMC Jimmy and in the process of "fixing" the tailgate latch, sheared the bolt off the latch mechanism adjuster (the "spider" in the middle of the tailgate connecting the two latch rods and the inner handle rod).

I would appreciate any advice on how to get a replacement latch mechanism. I have already searched LMC Truck, Classic Industries, RockAuto, local Craigslist without success.

Thanks in advance for any help,

jim

 

[shaynehardy]

is this the s15 size or full size jimmy?

 

[Dirty Harry]

Full size Jimmy..............actually, I needed to update this thread.

I'm calling off the dogs; I don't need a replacement latch mechanism. I inspected the sheared bolt further and realized it was not frozen/rusted, but it was a reverse thread! What?!? Makes no sense!

Anyway, once I realized that, I removed the stub and managed to find a left hand bolt that fit and reassembled the whole thing. It works now, so a heads up to those that are doing some tailgate work. The adjusting bolt for the tailgate mechanism is reverse/left hand thread!