M1009 tailgate latches

[79Vette]

My m1009 makes a horrible loud and high pitched squeaking noise at idle and when driving that seems to be coming from the driver side rear tailgate. I know this sounds absurd, but it's bad to the point I can't drive the truck for more than 10 minutes without getting a headache. 3" straight pipe exhaust is less annoying

I'm pretty sure the noise is the tailgate latch rubbing on the striker. When I inspected the striker, it was almost completely worn through, so I replaced it and the noise stopped for a bit. Now in less than 5000 miles, the new part is cut about halfway through where the latch touches is. It looks like my latch has been worn down to a sharp point which is causing it to destroy the new strikers. I'm assuming it was quiet for a bit while the latch was cutting a new groove into my new striker, and now the striker is badly notches the latch arm goes in there and vibrates/rubs and makes the noise...

I can get another striker easily but nobody seems to make the latches for an M1009. All the parts vendors offer latch replacements for pickups and Blazers up to 1981, but nobody seems to offer latches for a 1982+ K5. Does anyone know if it's possible to get a new replacement latch for these trucks?

This is all I can find, and it's definitely not the right part.

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/all-years/chevrolet/k5blazer/parts/t70503.html

 

[WWRD99]

My m1009 makes a horrible loud and high pitched squeaking noise at idle and when driving that seems to be coming from the driver side rear tailgate. I know this sounds absurd, but it's bad to the point I can't drive the truck for more than 10 minutes without getting a headache. 3" straight pipe exhaust is less annoying

I'm pretty sure the noise is the tailgate latch rubbing on the striker. When I inspected the striker, it was almost completely worn through, so I replaced it and the noise stopped for a bit. Now in less than 5000 miles, the new part is cut about halfway through where the latch touches is. It looks like my latch has been worn down to a sharp point which is causing it to destroy the new strikers. I'm assuming it was quiet for a bit while the latch was cutting a new groove into my new striker, and now the striker is badly notches the latch arm goes in there and vibrates/rubs and makes the noise...

I can get another striker easily but nobody seems to make the latches for an M1009. All the parts vendors offer latch replacements for pickups and Blazers up to 1981, but nobody seems to offer latches for a 1982+ K5. Does anyone know if it's possible to get a new replacement latch for these trucks?

This is all I can find, and it's definitely not the right part.

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/all-years/chevrolet/k5blazer/parts/t70503.html

Do you have the rubber seal on the tailgate that keeps it tight? They wiggle a ton if you don't. I buy used tailgates whenever I can. Might be the way to go, take the parts out of it. Ebay has some. Really though of the gate is bouncing around new parts won't help. I have nos gm strikers if you want a new one too .

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[79Vette]

The rubber seal is in place, and the gate closes tight and does not bounce around or move. Like if you grab it you cannot move it

That said there is always a lot of vibration in these trucks, and even some frame flex when driving. Because of how the latch is worn it's a sharp point digging into the striker and that seems to be the cause of the noise. I can't figure out anything else that would cause it and it briefly went away when I installed the new striker. Now the new striker is wearing the noise is back so I'm assuming they are related

I have never seen a K5 tailgate complete with latches and other parts go for under $1000, but I don't follow eBay or other sites super close. If there are some in good condition I'll go check it out