tailgate won't latch

In order for me to close the tailgate, I have to pull on the tailgate release lever with my right hand and then it will let me move this little piece with my left hand, then close it. If I don't do that, this piece (by my finger) hits and won't let it close

https://s13.postimg.org/cig344zg7/Snapchat_5750450935736091500.jpg

Grease it.

Clean it real well with something like WD40 and after its dry, lube it.

If cleaning doesn't work try a trip to a junk yard.

If cleaning doesn't work try a trip to a junk yard.

for a whole tailgate or can I replace just that little piece?

You would have to replace the whole latch.

You need to call a few yards with year,make,model of your truck. Hope fully they have a tail gate with a small bend in it and they will allow you to remove what you need. My 2000 Chevy had a rod from each side and a plastic clip broke. I purchased two new clips on ebay cost around $12.00.

You need to call a few yards with year,make,model of your truck. Hope fully they have a tail gate with a small bend in it and they will allow you to remove what you need. My 2000 Chevy had a rod from each side and a plastic clip broke. I purchased two new clips on ebay cost around $12.00.

small bend? As in the tailgate isn't suitable for use so they wouldn't care if it were used for parts? Does the tailgate come apart to replace the inner workings?

bump. I'm looking through videos on youtube (which solved a couple of my silverado problems), but all I can find in relation to repairing the tailgate are videos about replacing the handle which is obviously a common problem. My handle is fine, it's the little piece in the picture above that I need instructions on repairing. thank you

bump. I'm looking through videos on youtube (which solved a couple of my silverado problems), but all I can find in relation to repairing the tailgate are videos about replacing the handle which is obviously a common problem. My handle is fine, it's the little piece in the picture above that I need instructions on repairing. thank you

the tail gate has 2 pins. those pins are adjustable . move the pins out of the bed area toward the tail gate. I think its a torx bit required to loosen and move them.. over time they get pushed into the bed area and then no latching I had to do it .