Overview Information

HYDRAULIC LIFT CYLINDER BRACKET REINFORCEMENT

AFFECTED VEHICLES
CERTAIN 1993-1995 EXPLORER

OVERVIEW

Some Explorers may develop cracks in the liftgate bracket attachment area. In some rare cases, the bracket may separate from the liftgate.

The following service procedures are designed to strengthen the attachment of the lift cylinder to the liftgate:

Service Procedure A:
This is the normal procedure to reinforce liftgate attachments that are not cracked and is only used when the spot welds on BOTH bracket attachments are free from any cracks or damage. The repair involves installation of a narrow reinforcement plate and is attached with four (4) rivets. This reinforcement plate will be referred to as the 4-rivet plate.

Service Procedure B:
This service procedure is designed to repair and strengthen liftgate brackets that have cracked metal around the liftgate bracket spot welds or brackets that have separated from the liftgate. The repair involves installation of a wide reinforcement plate and is attached with seven (7) rivets and structural adhesive. This plate will be referred to as the 7-rivet plate.

Call the recall hotline at 1-800-325-5621 if the liftgate crack or torn sheet metal extends beyond the perimeter of the 7-rivet plate.

THE FOLLOWING CAUTIONS APPLY TO ALL SERVICE PROCEDURES:

A. BE SURE TO USE THE CORRECT REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON EACH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. PLATES ARE MARKED "R" OR "L".

B. MARK AND DRILL HOLES ONLY IN THE ORDER DESCRIBED TO ENSURE ACCURATE POSITIONING OF THE PLATE.