2004 Liftgate Hinge

[Dougget]

My left liftgate hinge just broke. The hinge pin pull right out of the part of the hinge mounted to the body.

There's a recall for the liftgate hinges on 2002 to 2003 Explorers, but mines a 2004.

Question:
Where can I get replacement hinges? Only Ford, or is there an aftermarket replacement?

Thanks,
Doug

 

[Dougget]

Some bad news, some strange news, and some good news:

Bad:
Can't get the hinges anywhere but Ford
2004 is not covered under the recall for exactly what happened to my Explorer. Only 02 and 03 are covered.

Strange:
Even though my 04 is not covered under the recall, the recall repair kit will work on my truck. Gee, I wonder why. Do you think they had some hinges left over from 03 and decided to use them in 04 too?

Good:
The recall kit includes both hinges and is only $22.75.
I was told that, usually when a hinge brakes, so does the glass. My glass did not break

So, I'm picking up the hinge kit tonight and will get it installed over the weekend.

Later,
Doug