Liftgate Alignment

All alignments 

1. Remove the liftgate scuff plate to access the liftgate striker.
Fig 1: Identifying Liftgate Scuff Plate
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Remove the liftgate striker.
Fig 2: Identifying Liftgate Striker
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Liftgate left and right alignment 

3. Loosen, but do not remove, the hinge-to-liftgate bolts enough to permit movement of the liftgate.
Fig 3: Identifying Hinge-To-Liftgate Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Adjust the liftgate so that the gaps are equal.
5. Tighten the liftgate hinge-to-liftgate bolts.
   • Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

Liftgate in and out, up and down alignment 

6. Open the liftgate.
7. Position the top and sides of the liftgate opening weatherstrip aside.
8. Remove the D-pillar trim panels.
9. Remove the safety tethers from the rear of the headliner.
10. Remove the pin-type retainers from the rear of the headliner.
NOTE: Use care to avoid bending or crimping the headliner.
11. Lower the rear of the headliner to gain access to liftgate hinge-to-body fasteners.
Fig 4: Lowering Rear Of Headliner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Loosen, but do not remove, the liftgate hinge-to-body fasteners enough to permit movement of the liftgate.
Fig 5: Identifying Liftgate Hinge-To-Body Fasteners
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All alignments 

13. Adjust the liftgate so that the gaps are equal.
14. Tighten the liftgate hinge-to-body fasteners.
    • Tighten the liftgate hinge-to-body nuts to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
    • Tighten the liftgate hinge-to-body bolts to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
15. Install the liftgate striker, adjust as necessary.
    • Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
16. To install, reverse the removal procedure.