Tailgate weight

[BroncoDipper]

One of the first things I noticed when I got my Bronco was that the tailgate weighs a ton!

I understand it is heavier than a normal PU gate because it has the rear window, motors and all that, but man is that thing heavy!

When I was at the local bone yard the other day I found a '94 Bronco with pristine black rubber/vinyl interior, the type that looks kinds like a bed liner. So I grabbed that in a heart beat! Couldn't pass it up, the whole truck front and back was $22! Anyway, when I dropped the gate of the '94 it was very smooth. I won't say it was lighter, rather it felt supported, almost like it had some sort of hydraulic or spring assist or something. Are the rear gates supposed to be as heavy as my 1987 or is mine missing something to make it easier to open like that '94? Even the guy that just did the bed of my '87 made a comment as to how heavy my gate is.

So the question is this normal? If so is there any way to reduce the weight any or make opening and closing the gate any easier?

 

[miesk5]

yo BD,

Tailgate weighs about 120 lbs

Your tg is missing the torsion bar;

One end is secures by a bracket at paasenger side;

other end in inside the TG and secured by bracket on driver side.

Torsion Bar pic; "...fits all '78-96 Bronco tailgates. See this pic for associated hardware...The tailgate must be removed to install this, so read this article for alignment tips..." http://www.supermotors.net/registry/2742/12689





Source: by Steve

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Torsion Bar, External Parts Break-Out Diagram in a 78 w/Nomenclature

Source: by Indybronco (Lula Mae)



Here is a great article on TG Replacement in an 88 (many photos) BEST PROCESS!

Source: by Dustin S (Dustball, Mellow Yellow, Mr. Laser Boy) at http://ylobronc.users.superford.org/tailgate.html

DUSTIN PROVIDES A BODY PART (YOUR'S, NOT THE BRONCO'S) INJURY AVOIDANCE TIP; "The next step is to remove the bracket holding the torsion bar to the body. Take extreme care here as the bar packs a lot of force. I recommend trying to remove the bracket while the tailgate is as closed as possible to relieve pressure on the bar. I was foolish enough to do it with the tailgate down. Both bolts broke off allowing the bar to snap back and sent the bracket off to never-never land. I was never able to find the bracket so I had to get another one."

Torsion Bar Sources;

OUR SPONSOR HERE, Jeff's, they show da Torsion Bar & brackets' bolts ); Check brackets out too; they rust badly...

http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/c-82-tailgate-bronco.html

BTW, Rear Seat has a Torsion Bar too!

I'd look in a local yard. To search area yard for a Bronco (for parts); I use ADP Hollander BEST LOCATER MyPartShop.com; Used Car Part Search; Select All Parts year, etc, then FORD TRUCK. & copartfinder.com,HAS PICS TOO. For the rod. suggest you select Back Glass Regulator and/or Back Glass; I believe the rod is same for 78-96..."

Source: by miesk5 at Ford Bronco Zone Forums

 

[Seabronc]

When you replace that torsion bar watch your self. Removing it from an old tail gate can be hazardous, more like a bear trap. Always, remove the bracket that holds it to the right side tail gate support with the gate just barely open. You attach it the same way, it's a little awkward but the only safe way.

Good luck,

 

[BroncoDipper]

Great info guys thanks!