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Item 5: Liftgate Installation Note

  1. If installing a new liftgate, transfer components as necessary.
    • On manual liftgates it will be necessary to order a scrivet kit (1740400) to plug the six holes on the liftgate near the RH and LH taillamps.
    2. NOTE: The following steps describe liftgate up, down left and right adjustments.
    Fig 1: Loosening Hinge-To-Liftgate Bolts
    G03246668Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Loosen, but do not remove, the hinge-to-liftgate bolts just enough to permit movement of the liftgate.
  3. Adjust the liftgate so that the top gap is with in specification.
    • Adjust the liftgate so that the side gaps are equal.
    Fig 2: Adjusting Liftgate
    G03246669Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    4. NOTE: The following steps describe liftgate latch-to-striker alignment.
    Fig 3: Marking Liftgate Latch Forkbolt
    G03246670Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Mark the liftgate latch forkbolt with white all purpose correction fluid.
  5. Loosen the liftgate striker.
    Fig 4: Loosening Liftgate Striker
    G03246671Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Move the liftgate striker to the rearward position and tighten.
    Fig 5: Moving Liftgate Striker Rearwards
    G03246672Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Close and then open the liftgate.
  8. Measure the distance between the bottom of the top striker plate and the top of the mark left by the forkbolt.
    Fig 6: Measuring Mark Left By Forkbolt
    G03246673Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. If not within specification, add or delete shims until measurement is within specification.
    10. NOTE: The following steps describe liftgate fore and aft adjustments.
    NOTE: If full liftgate to seal contact with liftgate is not achieved, move the liftgate striker forward in 1.0 mm (0.039 in) increments until full contact is made.
    NOTE: Check for full liftgate to seal contact with tracing powder.
    NOTE: Tracing powder is used to check both the uniformity of contact and the tension of a seal against its sealing surface. These tests are usually performed when a suspected air leak/noise appears to originate from the seal area or during the alignment and adjustment of a component to a weatherstrip. Tracing powder can be ordered from Crest Industries as ART Leak Trace. Carry out the tracing powder test as follows:
    Fig 7: Checking Weatherstrip/Liftgate Contact
    G03246674Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Carry out the tracing powder test as follows:
    1. Clean the weatherstrip.
      • Spray the tracing powder on the mating surface only.
    2. Close the liftgate completely. Do not slam the door.
    3. Open the liftgate. An imprint is made where the weatherstrip contacted the mating surface seal. Gaps or a faint imprint will show where there is poor contact with the weatherstrip.
  11. Close and reopen the liftgate.
    • Adjust the liftgate striker as necessary.
    12. NOTE: Check the bolt and nut seal to prevent water leaks.
    Fig 8: Adjusting Liftgate Hinge
    G03246675Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. If full seal contact can not be achieved, loosen the hinge-to-body nut and bolt.
    • Adjust the liftgate to body hinge as necessary.
  13. Tighten the hinge-to-body fasteners.
    Fig 9: Tightening Hinge-To-Body Fasteners
    G03246676Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. Readjust the striker to reward position.
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