rear hatch not latching right?

[8879ford]

So, on my 88 bronco II, my rear hatch will shut, but only the pass. side latches...i cant get both sides to latch shut...i even replaced all of the door strikers and it still wont line up....any ideas? anyone else have this problem?

 

[chrwilkins30]

Have same problem. I hat when bounces when i hit a bump. No solution. Sorry

 

[90B24wd]

I have that same problem right now. Both lift gate struts were replaced and now the hatch will not close right. What I was planning to do was to cut around the stricker mount so that I have more adjustment to line up with the latch.

 

[b2rich]

I replaced my bushings on the strikers and it wouldnt shut untill i adjusted the pins. they are touchy little critters and have to be just perfect.
there is little margin of error to get them lined with the latches.

 

[90B24wd]

Easy fix! Take out the striker & tail lite assy. Now use a round file to bore out for adjustment. Becareful not to take out to much cause you will weaking the area. Check for fit.

 

[copter]

hatch closing

Had similar problems with my 88BII rear body mounts and combination of rusted metal didn't help unless it was sitting perfectlly level.Once i replaced the questionable sheet metal it was ok again.I was adjusting the strikers too
until it was just too far outta whack.

 

[headhunter257]

i took my back hatch off and put it back on and same thing have to ajust the top bolts in the hinges that fixed mine
hope it helps
ps you will find a shit ton rust their too

 

[johnnybronco]

What B2rich said - I had the same problem and spent about 15 minutes adjusting both strikers just a few millimeters up and down and front and back until I got 'em just right.

 

[voodoochylde]

Part of my problem *was* a decent sized crack I had in the fiberglass hatch itself. I ground out some material around the crack and laid down close to 1/4" of fresh 'glass. I still haven't bothered to try adjusting my strikers as it closes if you put more effort on the drivers side.

Just examine the interior part of the fiberglass where it meets the weatherstripping. Mine was visible all the way to the bottom edge of the panel.

 

[moogvo]

The one on my driver's side wasn't latching. It was open far enough for the interior light to be on all the time. I wrapped the stud in black tape to fatten it up a bit since the plastic roller was long gone. Works like a champ now.