Who are the suppliers for the plastic clips that are used in the tailgate connecting the handle and rods to the latches?

Dorman and Motormite. Look in the help section of the parts store

Thanks for the response but I'm fairly new to the forum and didn't understand the directions. I am familiar with the names Dorman and Motormite. psg

Your local parts stores have a section with HELP brand items.

What year truck? I wonder if they use the same clips the door lock rods use.

If it's a 3rd gen Ram (03-09), The (white) center handle rod clips are not available aftermarket at the auto parts stores. The dealer has them. Unfortunately, you have to purchase the entire handle assembly to acquire the clips. They do not list the clips separately under their own part number.

Same for the (green) outer rod end latch clips. Not sold separately. Aftermarket has the Dorman clips. They appear similar in design to the OEM clips but color is different (black) and are just a tad too small and will not fit the rod end.

I haven't opened up a 3rd gen door yet but those styles may also be used in there. However, it may be the same dealer situation - crack open your wallet for the whole assembly just to acquire some 50 cent rod clips!

Boneyard may be the best option. Or ebay. Lot's of late model new OEM Ram parts on there at 1/2 the cost of dealer.

The truck is an '86 but the new tailgate is a '92. I have found some clips on ebay, going to try those based on measurements of rod and hole diameter. I'll post a comment once I find out if the fit is sufficiently close. psg