Hatch Problems

[catchfast33]

I have a hatch problem that I know has been posted on here before but I cant seem to find it. The problem is that the bottom of the hatch is flush with the taillight and has a tight gap. The top part of the hatch is another story. It has about a 1/4 to 1/2" gap between the body and the hatch itself. Is there anyway to bring the top part of the hatch closer to the body. Vehicle is a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. If you do not want to answer the question and have the link to thread that contains the information that would be great too. I have supplied a picture of the hatch should look like from the side. The picture is not of my actual vehicle, sorry its dark right now and flash isnt that great on my phone. but in the picture you can see how tight the gap is from top to bottom.

 

[Chikar]

I'm fairly sure the upper hinges are adjustable but you'd have to remove the headliner to get at them. And remove the lift shocks or you'll never be able to adjust it properly.

You'll need help, that liftgate is heavy!

 

[deweyville65]

How close do you want the hatch to the body? My 96 runs from .150 to .210 gap at the top. I would think any closer, and you would have interference problems. That is just my opinion.

 

[catchfast33]

How close do you want the hatch to the body? My 96 runs from .150 to .210 gap at the top. I would think any closer, and you would have interference problems. That is just my opinion.

well the gap i have right now is closer to the half inch mark and it wasnt like that before. I had the hinges replaced about 2 months ago and just noticed how big the gap was when i was looking at some old pictures. i would like it to be close to stock as possible.

 

[catchfast33]

I'm fairly sure the upper hinges are adjustable but you'd have to remove the headliner to get at them. And remove the lift shocks or you'll never be able to adjust it properly.

You'll need help, that liftgate is heavy!

okay i have tried to adjust it before and didnt get very far but then again i didnt remove the lift shocks either. i will try to adjust it again with the shocks removed appreciate all the help man. if this doesnt work ill be taking it back to the body shop that installed the hinges and tell them to fix it cause it wasnt like that before and ill give them photographic proof to prove it. geese hard to find quality work these days.