my tailgate wont open on my 99 2500,, the handle seems to release the gate but its still being held by the latches in the upper corners -- is there a way to release this ? -- the handle appears to be riveted on - should i drill this out or is there another way to resolve -- i can see some of the mechanism when i look underneath the handle but i am not sure how the assembly works -- help please

 

There should be a bolt on the inside of the tailgate that will allow you to remove the latch mechanism and find the problem.

 

i have the same problem on my 99' 1500. I removed the black casing around the latch. then you can release the latch manuelly. The only problem for me is finding why the rod can't stay in the latch.

 

I had the same problem. Remove the cover on the latch. Probably the pin that holds the rod is broken. Good luck finding one except at Chevrolet $$$$$$