Rear Hatch alignment problem

Ask technical questions about your Ford Bronco II here. Technical write-ups on your axle swaps, engine swaps, chop tops, etc. are encouraged.
1highlander
Posts: 21
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:23 am
Location: Virginia

Re: Rear Hatch alignment problem

Post by 1highlander »

[quote="Colin"]Now I cannot even open my hatch. The latch just turns round and round after I insert the key, and does absolutely nothing! I managed to get the inside trim off the hatch and removed the glass latch so I can now manually open the glass without using key or latch. Not sure what to do with the stupid latch, or even if I can get it off the door while the door is still in the closed position. Oh well, that's life as I experience it most of the time lol. btw I have quite a bit of movement on the two pins/strikers so the big washer inside is not rusted in place. And the door fits perfectly with the hinges just where they are so I don't want to start moving them and getting the door out of alignment.[/quote]

My hatch is one-piece and totally mechanical. The only latching problem I've had was when the spring that keeps the handle in the right position broke. As for fitting: yesterday I walked by my Bronco and saw that the dome lights were on. Hadn't been a problem in days. I opened and closed the hatch and the lights went off. An hour later they were on again, so I pushed on the hatch neat the switch and they went off. I removed the switch and that fixes that. Evidently the sun was warming the hatch enough to move it! I think I'll just leave the switch out of the circuit until such time as I need to either show or sell it. Not likely to happen soon.
jim87formula
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2010 6:27 pm
Location: Iowa

Re: Rear Hatch alignment problem

Post by jim87formula »

Sounds like my hatch also, usually I just slam it with both hands and its closes all the way.... The one thing also some of my body mount bushings are shot but I need to disconnect my light though, I think thats where im losing my battery too!
1highlander
Posts: 21
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:23 am
Location: Virginia

Re: Rear Hatch alignment problem

Post by 1highlander »

[quote="jim87formula"]Sounds like my hatch also, usually I just slam it with both hands and its closes all the way.... The one thing also some of my body mount bushings are shot but I need to disconnect my light though, I think thats where im losing my battery too![/quote]

The first time the hatch drained the battery the Bronco had been pared fr about a week, the temp was below zero for a few days, and it took 8 hours to thaw the battery before I could recharge it. My theory is that once the battery was discharged (by the interior lights), the water could not resist freezing. All is well now, as long as I have the switch in my hand, instead of in the circuit! I'm planning to be under the Bronco today to do an oil and filter change, and will look at the body mounts then. Could be a problem. Might also account for the transfer case shifter vibrating when I am in 4th or 5th gear and cruising.
aarnwts
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Feb 16, 2010 6:53 am
Location: Sacramento, CA

Re: Rear Hatch alignment problem

Post by aarnwts »

auto zone sells just the plastic peice
1highlander
Posts: 21
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:23 am
Location: Virginia

Re: Rear Hatch alignment problem

Post by 1highlander »

[quote="aarnwts"]auto zone sells just the plastic peice[/quote]

I know. I've bought two packs already. They come two long, and two short. My B-II takes four long. My F-150, which also needs the bushings replaced. At least I only need two for the truck.
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