Tailgate Alignment

[FstFrd00]

2021
I wouldve noticed so this isa current development. There is not much gap where the tailgate shuts. Can I adjust it my self, take it to the body shop, take it to the dealer? I am out of the 3/36.

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[Ford Motor Company]

2021
I wouldve noticed so this isa current development. There is not much gap where the tailgate shuts. Can I adjust it my self, take it to the body shop, take it to the dealer? I am out of the 3/36.

Hi there! I can look into your Bronco's tailgate concern on my end. To get started, could you please send a private message over with the name/location of your local Ford dealer and your Bronco's VIN?

 

[Brian_B]

Got a shot of the passenger side?

Yes, it can be realigned. It can be a royal pain in the rear and, unless you get lucky, almost needs a couple sets of hands. There’s three different adjustment points depending on how it needs adjusted.

If you can afford to, taking it into a body shop isn’t a bad option and shouldn’t take them long.

It could also just be that little piece of trim that sits next to the taillight, and the upper and lower pieces look about right. I think that piece has a couple of little screws on the inside

 

[pakrat]

You can do it yourself but will require removing the passenger taillight to get to the interior latches. Hardest part is getting the taillight and trim pieces off. Many videos out thereto help.

 

[FstFrd00]

Got a shot of the passenger side?

Yes, it can be realigned. It can be a royal pain in the rear and, unless you get lucky, almost needs a couple sets of hands. There’s three different adjustment points depending on how it needs adjusted.

My picture isnt loading... I will upload soon...but it looks fine

You can do it yourself but will require removing the passenger taillight to get to the interior latches. Hardest part is getting the taillight and trim pieces off. Many videos out thereto help.

Ive remove the taillight and trim before, the hardest part will be getting the extra set of hands


ETA:
Pretty sure it is due to the oracle light, or the trim piece that was mentioned before

I got new wheels and it was aligned fine. I put the oracle lights in and I took a picture of a failure of the light and noticed the misalignment.

 

[Brian_B]

The easiest alingment is in the striker plate, but it can only adjust so much.

There is some play in adjustment on the hinge to the hinge adapter (2 bolts, not behind the tail light).

The the most alignment adjustment is where the hinge adapter bolts to frame, and pretty much get it any which way you want it there, but it's a bear to make those adjustments solo (3 bolts behind the right tail light).

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/rear-door-twisting.85125/#post-2101456

Turn Offroad has a good video on it too (fast forward to 7:40 mark)



Some people think it's a breeze. It took me 4 hours with 3 people to get it where I was happy with it, and a lot of trial and error.

I think in your case, yeah, it's the Oracle light and that trim piece, but if your shot of the passenger side pops up we can see a bit better.

 

[XirallicBolts]

Mine was rubbing from the factory. Took it off, reattached it, it's fine now.
It honestly wasn't that bad. Did it randomly some Saturday morning after I put the mesh top on, just on a whim.

It certainly looks like the Oracle light might be a factor here though

 

[FstFrd00]

I reinstalled the oracle light. Trimmed a little more per oracles instructions.

 

[Brian_B]

I reinstalled the oracle light. Trimmed a little more per oracles instructions.

That doesn’t look half bad there!

 

[broncobase1]

I realigned my tailgate last night, there is better way to do it than in the videos. I spent hours trying to do it using the shim approach and trying to hold and move the door, only to become more frustrated as time went on. The method that worked for me was to loosen the hinge bolts but not enough for the door to move under its own weight. Then using a block of wood and a hammer, tap the hinge in the direction it needs to go. In my case the door was sagging or too low on the right side, so I tapped the bottom hinge to the left about 1/32” (It doesn’t take much when the door is 75” wide!). I also tapped both hinges up slightly as the entire door was low, but this was caused by my failed attempt using the shim method. This worked great, and it’s easy to make fine adjustments. No need for a buddy or lifting the heavy door. I did take the tire off before starting, which is probably unnecessary using this method. If you do take off the tire, the right side will need to be set about ¼” higher as it will come down when the heavy tire is attached. I made some minor tweaks with the tire on, and got her aligned perfectly – or close to it. The door closes smoothly now with the latch and catch aligned like it should.

 

[mallaki]

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