Reddit reviews Ford Ranger 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 - 11 Tail Gate Door Handle 1L5Z 9943400 Aaa by Multiple Manufacturers
We found 2 Reddit comments about Ford Ranger 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 - 11 Tail Gate Door Handle 1L5Z 9943400 Aaa by Multiple Manufacturers. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
All metal, stronger than plasticSmooth black surfaceWith steel pickup bed
There are bolts on the inside of the tailgate you remove to open up the inside panel of the tailgate to get access to the latch mechanism.
If you can't drop the tailgate without the latch try to get in through the latch hole with a pair of pliers and pull on the rod that the latch ordinarily would.
If you need a new latch I used this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008L5J5G6
Metal instead of plastic, and $7.
Replacing it took about 15 minutes because I was taking my time and had to wander around to find the right torx bits.
Ford Ranger 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 - 11 Tail Gate Door Handle 1L5Z 9943400 Aaa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008L5J5G6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SCLxzbBAPKQ7Q
This one is a metal one I bought when my 2008 handle broke. It's slightly smaller than oem but was a perfect fit replacement. Completely made of metal.