Problem with Bronco II Tailgate

[BroncoNick]

Hi, I currently own a 1990 Bronco II that I have had for roughly several years now. For about the past year or so, I have noticed a ratling sound coming from my tailgate whenever I hit a bump. This rattling sound I hear sounds like it is coming from my tire rack which may be loose. But I have also noticed that I will sometimes hear a higher pitched squeaking sound also coming from the tailgate. I'm not totally sure if this is the tailgate hinges, or if it is also being caused by the tire rack. Even though this isn't that major of a problem, I would some how like to get if fixed since it has become quite annoyin. I have gone ahead and posted several links showing the current state of the hinges on the rear tailgate. Any help would be greatly appreaciated.
Thanks, Nicholas Marakovits

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[MrD]

the tailgate on my 84 BII rattles as well.

I was wondering if the rubber can be replaced on the exterior tire rack?

laters-Kelly

[slamball]

Go to an auto parts store and see if you can get a new striker with new rubber on it. It vibrates a lot since the lock doesn't fasten down on it enough with crappy rubber. (Picture # 2 and 3)

[MrD]

I also thought about using some automotive rubber hose and make my own cover.

I just have to look at what they have. The autozone I frequent often has let me go in the back and look around.

[BroncoNick]

I'm going to a Advance Auto Parts store friday and see if I can get two new strikers. Is it difficult to get the old strikers out?

Kelly, what is the rubber you are talking about on the exterior tire rack?

[MrD]

On the rack I have, when I grab the long handle to move up or down to unlatch or relatch the tire, their is a half circle curve that stays on the rack part that is mounted to the liftgate. The moving part of the rack rests against this shape.


Also the swinging part of the rack has a block shaped piece of rubber that goes against the liftgate as well.

I will try and take pictures tomorrow.

Laters-Kelly

[slamball]

Depends on how bad the strikers are rusted in. Tried to take some off at a junkyard, rusted. Shitty thing is that it's an allen key. Used a lot of liquid wrench and torqued as hard as i could, couldn't budge em. Have fun :). That or just cut em...

[slamball]

Depends on how bad the strikers are rusted in. Tried to take some off at a junkyard, rusted. Shitty thing is that it's an allen key. Used a lot of liquid wrench and torqued as hard as i could, couldn't budge em. Have fun :). That or just cut em...

EDIT: From the look of the pictures yours have a star head instead of a allen head. Should be much easier. On the backside of the striker there is a plate that holds it in place (tacked in). When I tried to get mine off I broke the back plate off and it just spun. Hope you have better luck than me.

[BroncoNick]

Well, I ended up having to order two new strikers through LMC Truck yesterday. So hopefully I will be able to complete the repair this comming weekend. I will give you guys an update to let you know how it went.

Another question i have concerns the photo below. Is there supposed to be a piece of rubber that fits around that rust spot on the cylindrical bar. If so, I believe this also may cause the spare tier holder shake whenever it is on its rack.

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[MrD]

Bronconick,
I have a round hard piece of plastic on mine. It is all cracked and ready to fall off.

[stevenf]

I used a rubber hose(left over fuel line), cut it sideways to make a "C" shape, and put it over the bolts that the hatch locks to. Stopped every bit of rattleing because it filled in the extra space where the locks werent clamping enough.

[slamball]

After you get all the rubber replaced take off your tire rack and give it a good coat of black spray paint . Really dresses it up and makes it look nice.

[BroncoNick]

Slamball, I had thought about painting it after I fixed the rattling sound. Do you think I should use some sand paper to sand that rust off first before going over it with some paint?

Stevenf, when you said you put the rubber hose over the bolts, are you referring to putting the hose on the strikers? I thinking about maybe doing the same thing, because it probably wouldn't be worth going to a juck yard trying to find the same rubber pieces that would fit on the spot that I have.
Nicholas

[slamball]

It wouldn't hurt. Just wipe it off with a rag before and after sanding so you can see everything clearly. Make sure to clean it very well after sanding to get all the dust off. I just went to Napa and got some cheapo spray paint and it came out sweet.