Suburban tailgate bear claw latch question

[dutch]

Hi all, I've slowly been bringing an '87 v20 suburban back to life and this site has been an amazing resource in doing so. Still, I'm running into a few specifics that I'd appreciate any input on:

I just replaced the completely rusted out tailpan and with the tailgate now properly re-aligned I have discovered that the passenger side latch won't close. I haven't been able to track a replacement down at a local junkyard, can't find one on eBay, nor does it seem anyone makes a direct replacement. So my questions are 1) is this latch the same unit as those in the doors? or 2) any leads on where I could find an [ideally] new assembly?

Thank you!

 

[ratchetmaster]

You have the gate and not the barn doors, right?

Don't know how similar the blazer tail gate would be. if you have the doors, maybe vans might have a similar latch.

 

[ratchetmaster]

any parts here work for what you need?

http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...3F2HSYXLOO70UQQOUaAuFLEALw_wcB&ad=47433966132

 

[dutch]

You have the gate and not the barn doors, right?

Yeah, I have the gate. Thanks for the parts link as well, unfortunately those are similar to what I have been able to find elsewhere. LMC has a grayed out diagram of the part (pic below), but nothing listed for sale...

I'll look into the latch on the barn doors though, that's a good thought.

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[bucket]

Those latches can seize up a bit causing the little latch pawl in them not to move. I good cleaning and lube job will get them working again.

 

[dutch]

Thanks Bucket, turns out mine was pretty badly rusted and I had difficulty getting it moving smoothly again. Found a guy an hour south of me who was only asking $15 for a rusted out tailgate, everything included.

If anyone needs a drivers side latch give me a shout.