Rear tail gate Balzer.

[eighteenninetytwo]

Local pick n Pull got a 78 blazer in recently. Two questions:
1. Are the internal components for rear window raising alignments etc identical to the 75 tailgate?
2. What tools would I need to take the whole tailgate off and bring it back with me?? Actually that raises a third question, I ASSUME but i'm not sure, that all american 1970's vehicles would use imperial measurements in terms of bolt head sizes etc am I right? (forgive the odd question please - I'm a recent immigrant from the UK and they went metric around then).

[Ski-me]

I'd bring both sets of tool sizes and if possible, an impact wrench and a cordless drill.

I just swapped out mine a few days ago.

On the underside, behind the bumper area: the hinges are bolted to frame with 8 bolts (4 on each side). You will also need to move the helper torsion bar off before lowering/removing. It's best to take a large screwdriver or prybar and move the two hooks off of the bolt (underside of truck by trailer hitch). When it's in the "up" position, there isn't any tension on it so fairly easy to pry past bolt.

You will also need to lower the window (if it has one). Best way is to access it from the inside and remove the interior access panel. Once that is off, unscrew the window cable from the motor and then use a cordless drill onto the exposed cable end (kinda like a drill bit). Then use drill to be the motor and lower the window all the way down. This way, you can open the taigate all the way.

You will need to disconnect the two power connectors near the driver's side hinge location (also behind bumper underneath).

Finally, you will need to removed the tailgate cable that supports it when down. If in good shape, grab those too. The factory ones are thicker and stronger than the aftermarket ones.

You may want an extra hand so that you pull the whole tailgate straight out for the hinges but also pay attention to the torsion bars. May have to raise or lower the tailgate slightly while removing to get the torsion bars to also fish out.

If there is a key for tailgate, get that too.

[eighteenninetytwo]

great advice thank you. I really just want the internal components but I figure having the whole thing at home means i can get them off at my convenience.