Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Liftgate Alignment
For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations refer to OEM Color Coding .
Check
- Check the liftgate-to-body dimensions.
- Dimension: 0.2756 ±0.0591 in (7 ±1.5 mm)
- Dimension: 0.0591 ±0.0551 in (1.5 ±1.4 mm)
- Dimension: 0.1575 ±0.0787 in (4 ±2 mm)
- Dimension: 0.0787 ±0.0591 in (2 ±1.5 mm)
- Dimension: 0.2362 ±0.1575 in (6 ±4 mm)
Adjustment
-
NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.
On both sides.
- Remove the clip.
- Position aside the liftgate strut.
-
NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.
Loosen the bolts enough to permit movement of the liftgate. Loosen: 1 turn(s)
- Loosen the liftgate striker bolts. Loosen: 1 turn(s)
- Adjust the liftgate to specification.
- Adjust the liftgate striker.
- Tighten the liftgate striker bolts.
Torque: 18 lb.ft (24 Nm)
-
NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.
Tighten the bolts.
Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
- Check the area for paintwork damage and repair if necessary.
-
NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.
On both sides.
- Install the strut.
- Install the clip.
Check
- Check the body-to-liftgate dimensions.
- Dimension: 0.2756 ±0.0591 in (7 ±1.5 mm)
- Dimension: 0.0591 ±0.0551 in (1.5 ±1.4 mm)
- Dimension: 0.1575 ±0.0787 in (4 ±2 mm)
- Dimension: 0.0787 ±0.0591 in (2 ±1.5 mm)
- Dimension: 0.2362 ±0.1575 in (6 ±4 mm)
Adjustment
- Remove the liftgate trim panel. Refer to: Liftgate Trim Panel .
- Lower the headliner.
- Loosen the nuts enough to permit movement of the liftgate. Loosen: 1 turn(s)
- Loosen the liftgate striker bolts. Loosen: 1 turn(s)
- Adjust the liftgate to specification.
- Adjust the liftgate striker.
- Tighten the nuts.
Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
- Tighten the liftgate striker bolts.
Torque: 18 lb.ft (24 Nm)
- To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- On both sides. Remove the spacer.
- On both sides. Remove the bump stop cover.
- On both sides. Loosen the screw. Loosen: 2 turn(s)
- On both sides. Adjust the bump stop.
- Carefully close the liftgate.
- On both sides. Tighten the screw.
Torque: 35 lb.in (4 Nm)
- On both sides. Install the bump stop cover.
- On both sides. Install the spacer.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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