Item 5: Liftgate Installation Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The following four steps describe liftgate left and right adjustment.

NOTE: Remove carpet for access to bolts.

Fig 1: Removing Liftgate Striker

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the liftgate striker.
Loosen, but do not remove, the hinge-to -liftgate bolts just enough to permit movement of the liftgate (40404).

Fig 2: Identifying Hinge-To-Liftgate Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Adjust the liftgate so that the gaps are equal.
Tighten the hinge-to-liftgate bolts.
NOTE: The following ten steps describe liftgate in and out, up and down adjustments.
Remove the upper interior trim panel.

Fig 3: Removing Upper Interior Trim Panel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen, but do not remove, the hinge-to -body fasteners just enough to permit movement of the liftgate.

Fig 4: Identifying Hinge-To-Body Fasteners
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Adjust the liftgate so that the gaps are equal.
Tighten the hinge-to-liftgate fasteners.
Install the liftgate striker, adjust as necessary.
Install the liftgate door scuff plate.

Fig 5: Installing Liftgate Door Scuff Plate
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the upper interior trim panel.

Fig 6: Installing Upper Interior Trim Panel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Loosen, but do not remove, the wedge cup bolts just enough to permit movement of the wedge cups.

Fig 7: Removing Wedge Cup Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Close and reopen the liftgate.
Tighten the wedge cup bolts.