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Tailgate Latch Hooks?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by EqualAreaConic, Jul 10, 2025 at 1:38 PM.

  1. Jul 10, 2025 at 1:38 PM
    #1
    EqualAreaConic

    EqualAreaConic [OP] Member

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    I bought a 2007 regular cab Tacoma without a tailgate. I found a junkyard replacement tailgate (also from a 2007 pickup) which appears as if the tailgate latch hooks rub against (it would close if they were shorter). I can force it closed, but the hooks rub and the mounting bolt heads are starting to rip up the plastic tailgate cover. See picture for reference. Are there various sizes for these latch hooks? Or are there slightly different sized tailgates? The body looks straight to me.

    Tacoma Latch.jpg
     
  2. Jul 10, 2025 at 3:07 PM
    #2
    gotoman1969

    gotoman1969 Well-Known Member

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    Steve
    San Antonio, TX United States
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    2015 Silver Tacoma PreRunner
    3" ToyTec coilovers, JBA UCA's, Bilstein 5100's
    Loosen all the screws that hold on the tailgate cover, it’s has some play to adjust it.
     
  3. Jul 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM
    #3
    EqualAreaConic

    EqualAreaConic [OP] Member

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    Both sides have this issue, so I can't correct it by 'centering' it so to speak.
     
  4. Jul 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
    #4
    2015WhiteOR

    2015WhiteOR Well-Known Member

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    I wonder if your bed is not 'true'.

    - You said it didn't come with a tailgate. The tailgate adds to the rigidity of the bed so if that truck was used a lot without it, the bed might have pinched inward at that spot.
    - Heavy weight added to the bed, repeatedly, would bow the walls inward.


    If you can come across a different Tacoma where the tailgate closes smoothly, measure the gap and compare.
     
  5. Jul 10, 2025 at 5:21 PM
    #5
    EqualAreaConic

    EqualAreaConic [OP] Member

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    That is an interesting thought. If anyone else happens to measure, I'm reading 56.25" just above the taillights.

    If it's been pinched, I suppose I could use some sort of spanner clamp to bend it back outward. Would only require 1/2" or so.
     
  6. Jul 10, 2025 at 5:29 PM
    #6
    gotoman1969

    gotoman1969 Well-Known Member

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    2015 Silver Tacoma PreRunner
    3" ToyTec coilovers, JBA UCA's, Bilstein 5100's
    On my 2105 prerunner I measure 56.75
     
  7. Jul 10, 2025 at 6:22 PM
    #7
    EqualAreaConic

    EqualAreaConic [OP] Member

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    That would check out. Thank you for measuring!
     

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