$5 fix Chevy/GMC tail gate latch fix 

Push the green clip in the hole first. The tapered cylindrical part that enters the hole is typically called a "ferrule." When you place the steel push-rod into the hole in the back of the ferrule, it expands the ferrule and locks it in place. By putting the steel rod in first, you're trying to force an expanded ferrule through the hole in the tab. That's why you experienced so much force when you did it.

Thank you for posting this. I had no idea what had failed, nor what to do to fix it. I'm sure you saved me a bunch of time and money that a trip to my local GMC dealer would have cost me.

The red clip should go to the left (driver's side) and the green clip is to go to the right (passenger side).

Thank You Danny, I'm replacing mine today.

Thanks to you for the video, and thanks to Stephen Sywak for the clip tip.

Love the videos. What editing software are you using? And are you a technician?

This video shows how to replace the latch rod retainers on the tailgate handle not how to replace the latches which hold the tailgate closed.

Couldn’t you just wrap wire To hold it in place? Or bend the hook over more? So it’s not plastic holding everything together