Anyone had experience with these? I'd like to verify that rollers will fix the side door, and also, learn what it will take to fix the strut on the rear hatch. Can just the end piece of it be replaced, or does the entire strut need to be replaced?
TIA for ideas.
The side door may need the whole roller assembly - Is the track still smooth, or all rusted? Here in Ontario they rusted some. The rear hatch pivot MAY be available separately from Ford - I know I bought an aftermarket stud from a trailer joint for mine a decade or so ago.
The track is clean. Amazingly, in the PNW, no rust. You can't see in there easily, but since it rolled fine before, but suddenly began to deteriorate, fast, I kind of assume a roller, or rollers gave up the ghost. Ford doesn't stock much for a vehicle this old, but can get some parts... for an outrageous price. I found replacement rollers for cheap on the web, if that's something which can be done without a machine shop.
Same story with the rear door lift support strut. They worked fine, then the right side suddenly exploded at the ball and socket connection. When it broke, the ball pulled out of the socket. Hope that doesn't cause a complication. That broken piece ought to be worth about a dollar, but it appears I'll have to buy a new strut, or maybe a pair, just to keep the pressure/compression equal on both.
Like I said, on my '91 I bought a ball pivot from a camper supply place - used on the struts on a pickup cap - cost me something like 4 bucks Canadian. I cannot remember the details on the door rollers - I had to replace my door track (just below the windows) and repaired the lower roller bracket. IIRC it cracked and I had it welded - but I cannot remember for sure. I sold the van something like 10 or 12 years ago,
The rear gate problem turned out to be a chain reaction. Fully extended, the strut froze up, causing the ball/stud to snap off under the full weight of the door. It occurred to me, if the reverse happened, and the strut suddenly lost compression while it was up, it would amount to a large rat trap. Yikes. The local Ford dealer has the stud, and replacement lift struts are on their way. You know how this works. If you only replace the broken side, the other side will probably go sooner, rather than later, so I ordered the pair. Now, to drill out the broken end of the bolt. A body man is going to help solve the side door malfunction.
But first, we shall celebrate our independence. Thanks for cutting us loose, eh.
Unk
If that's the first time the rear door strut failed, you're doing good. = Mine's a 97 and original struts are still holding up. If mine ever = fail, I'll replace with original equipment even if the are 5 times the = price. Also have a small hatchback car and I have replaced the struts = with El Cheapo aftermarket crap 4 times in the 13 years I've had it.
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