an apparatus and method for positioning a latch assembly and a striker on a motor vehicle is disclosed . the apparatus is designed to improve the fit of the tailgate to the side walls or truck body . a good fit is defined as the outer surface of the tailgate and the outer surface of the side wall being coplanar when the tailgate is in the closed position . the apparatus , by way of a first formation and first locating element , determines the position of the latch assembly with respect to outer surface of the tailgate . the apparatus , by way of a second formation and second locating element , also determines the location of the striker with respect to the outer surface of the side walls . the apparatus , by way of a body member , also determines the position of the striker with respect to the latch assembly and vice versa . by setting the latch assembly and the striker by the above relations , build variances of the tailgate and of the truck body are eliminated as a possible cause for a poor fit .