{"id":1275,"date":"2020-07-01T14:10:51","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T18:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krissmotors.com\/ute\/?p=1275"},"modified":"2021-05-05T18:41:39","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T22:41:39","slug":"tailgate-latch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krissmotors.com\/ute\/?p=1275","title":{"rendered":"Tailgate mechanisms"},"content":{"rendered":"

Latch handle<\/h3>\n
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Polaris Ranger 500 tailgate handle<\/p><\/div>\n

The latch mechanism supplied by the Smyth Performance kit<\/a> functions well but the latch opening method — a simple Biothane coated webbing<\/a> runs through slits in the aluminum instead of an actual handle — can be improved.<\/p>\n

One option is to adapt the handle<\/a> used in the 2005-09 Polaris Ranger 500. This handle features swivel arms configured at a 45-degree angle that works with the pull-in design of the Ute tailgate latch. The Biothane strip could be reused or swapped for wire cable.<\/p>\n

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Ranger handle swivel arms<\/p><\/div>\n

The aluminum panel kit-supplied cutout (two slits used for the Biothane) must be enlarged to contain the Ranger handle, but the substitution is otherwise quite straightforward. <\/p>\n

A turnbuckle and cable connect the handle to the latch (see image below). The cost of this modification is about $30. <\/p>\n

UPDATE September 2020<\/em>: upon request, Smyth Performance will cut the tailgate skin for the Ranger handle.<\/p>\n

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