Tailgate hard to open

When I bought my truck it did not have a tailgate so I had to buy one. I bought it used off of Craigslist with a slight dent on the top which I did not care. But whenever I go to open the gate, I have to pull up on the handle to open (like normal) but then grab the top and pull out to get the extra oomph to get it to drop down. No way is this a one hand job like it should be.
Is there any adjustments that I can make to the latches or something? I notice the drivers side striker "loop" is gouged more than the other side.
Did a search and might have found something but before I try opening up the back panel and start bending stuff, I'd like to see if a better solution is out there.

 

Are the inner edges of the tailgate opening in the bed parallel? Maybe the bed is slightly warped, causing the binding...

 

Have you tried spitting on it?

 

Bed does not looked warped. My neighbor has a 2nd gen also so maybe I will see if he is willing to swap tailgates to rule out any truck issues and only concentrate on tailgate things. No binding of the door itself on the frame of the opening so I'm pretty sure it is the latch mechanism being real tight or something.

 

Sounds like you need to open it up and straighten stuff.

 

The bent loop(s) on the bedside don't line up with the latches. Treat yourself to a couple of new loop strikes.

Got pics of the loops?

 

Maybe take the cover off (screws) the inside of the tailgate. Then open and close it while you can see the internal mechanisms to see if something is binding inside?

 

I had issues with my tailgate opening after swapping my handle. Would require 2 hands like you. I didn't realise I could do anything for a few months.
Turns out its adjustable....the 2 loops on either side of the bed are held on by 2 screws. Loosen the screws and move the loops around a bit and try a few spots to see what is easiest.
My tailgate is back to 1 hand opening.

 

The loops are brand new. I had to buy all that hardware when I got the truck because it used to have a cap on the bed.

I had the whole guts taken out when I got the tailgate painted. Put it back together the way I took it apart. The door was a pain to open before it was painted and is the same once I put it back together.

I looked at the mounting of the loops and did not see any elongated holes to allow for some wiggle room. If you say that I can adjust the loop up or down a bit by lossening the screw, then I think that might work. I'll have to give that a try.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I was able to loosen the mounting loops like HawkShot99 said and get it to work like it should.
All is good now.

 

Ta-DAAH!!