The swingaway latch & strike were painted. The tape on the strike sleeve appears to be holding a crack together. Replacement strike sleeves are not available. Broncos with swingaway spare carrier (especially those driven off-road) commonly suffer from a split in the right side of the tailgate due to a design flaw which can be repaired before any damage becomes visible by adding a barely-visible rivet and a small hidden steel plate.

. . .

Adjust swingaway latch handle for easier release $10 ***********
Rivet tailgate right side under camper shell $20 ***********
Supply & install custom reinforcement plate inside t/g $60 (now, while t/g is apart; later $100) *********** (after riveting & closer inspection, this is NOT NEEDED)

Owner caption August 2021 · Photo 73 of 130