I have a 95 silverado and the tailgate won't open. I need to squeeze the two latches together with a pair of channel locks. How can i fix this? Do i need to buy a new handle?

 

I have same problem and have seen many. I planned to try to shim the parts that make contact but haven't gotten to it. I'm pretty sure that would work.

I carry a large slip joint plier to open the tailgate when needed. I don't use the tailgate much so it's not all that bad and almost acts as a security device.

chevyblues
'95 Z71, KN, Borla, Dynomax Cat, 143,000 miles

 

I had the same problem on my 95 truck too. I guess the handle wears out overtime. You can fix it by first remove the tailgate handle and the connecting rods from the tailgate. You could buy a new handle assembly and install it on your tailgate or do what i did...

once you have it out you will see what looks like a lip on one of the latches, If you bend that latch a little, the one that makes contact with the lip,you will see that when you move the handle, the lip makes contact with the latches and in turn ,pull the rods. And there you go, good as new

Hope this helps