1991 tailgate latch

[Jimi61]

I just purchase a 1991 Bronco XLT. REar window works fine from both switches however when shut the tailgate has some play. It does not appear that the latches grap the dowel firmly. Does this vintage have an eltric tailgate latch ???

 

[Krafty]

no, there should be a plastic bushing on the latch pin that fills up the tailgate latch, sometimes these can break and fall off, if your certain that its there then the only culprit I can think of is your latch mechanisms in the tailgate are getting wore out.

for these parts you can look up broncograveyard.com or lmc truck

 

[Seabronc]

Ditto what Krafty said, plus the striker is adjustable. I believe it takes a T55 Torx to adjust it. Basically you loosen it a bit and then tap it back a bit and re-tighten it, but only if the bushing is in tact.

Good luck,

 

[Jimi61]

No teflon or rubber on the strike pins. I will replace and adjust. Thanks guys !!! I was worried I would break the rear window 4 wheeling !!!

 

[miesk5]

yo JIMI,

Watch out for the Dorman HELP brand Bushing now.

the driver/passenger door striker kit w/ bushings, 38445 are not fffin good..bushing diameter is way off and striker frame is off as well....it will bolt-in, but aligning it for a no-rattle fit is efffin a waste of time and possible damage to passenger or driver.

the Dorman HELP tail gate striker bushings pn 38424 are a good fit & the door bushings driver/passenger bushings are incl. in this kit & fit better than the 38445 part! Made from urethane thermoplastic. assortment contains 2 each of the following sizes: 1/2" I.D. x 5/8" and 1/2" I.D. x 1"; or get them from a Ford dealer for more $ but better quality

Our sponsor here, Jeff's Bronco Graveyard also has them;

Tailgate Striker Bushings (plastic)Catalog > Tailgate Striker Bushings (plastic)

Item #34514 - New

1983-96 Ford Bronco

$6.00 Pair

Replacement in 89-96; This is for the doors, but the same procedure; "...before you take it off; In mean-time, use some PB Blaster on it; looks futile, but that stuff can creep into the threads. Be ready to use "excessive force" and lean into it so that the T50 torx doesn't bugger it up.. the striker bolt has a Captive Nut inside B pillar & they do rust out over-time; use a marker to outline the striker assy so you can line it up later; as long as the door closes well enug now and the gaps are ok.Using a Torx® 50 bit, unscrew the door latch striker from the quarter latch pillar (28160). Installation; Using a Torx® bit, ***** the door latch striker to the quarter latch pillar. Align the door latch striker. Refer to Striker, Door Latch in the Adjustments portion of this section. Tighten the door latch striker to 40-50 Nm (30-37 lb-ft). CAUTION: Do not cover up a poor door alignment with a door latch striker adjustment. NOTE: The door latch striker can be adjusted laterally and vertically as well as fore and aft. The door latch striker should not be adjusted to correct door sag. The door latch striker should be shimmed to get the clearance shown between the door latch striker and the front door latch. To check this clearance: Clean the front door latch jaws and the door latch striker area. Apply a thin layer of dark grease such as Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or -K or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B to the door latch striker. As the front door (20124) is closed and opened, a measurable pattern will result. Move the door latch striker assembly laterally to provide a flush fit with the front door and body. Do not use more than two shims. Using an appropriate Torx® bit, tighten door latch striker to 40-50 Nm (30-37 lb-ft)..."

Source: by miesk5