Help...02 Explorer Sport New owner

[dwil4]

Just bought the 02 Sport.
#1...The rear glass will not shut tight even though it latches. I can put my finger through the cracks. Can I fix that?
#2...The gate itself ,when shut,has a fair amount if "loosness" as well. Can I fix that?
These 2 things create road noise and rattle. Also what exactly is the broken piece around the license plate called so I can try to find one. I appreciate any help you guys can offer.
PS..I have tried to upload a video of the gate loosnes but it says too large and when I resize it ,it attaches but then says.." the file is not a video as expected" WTF? Lol

 

[RangerX]

I can’t help with any of your questions, but I did move your thread into the Gen2 section, as your Sport is that model even though it’s an 02.

 

[dwil4]

Can anyone help?

 

[bmdubya1198]

There are supposed to be bushings on the latches, and they tend to break apart and disappear.
This is what you'll likely need: Amazon product ASIN B000COCRHI

 

[BKennedy]

The window latch and the gate latches are adjustable.

 

[DemonMudder]

I'm still not 100% on the exact name of the trim piece, but rear hatch handle cover seems to work. Can find them on ebay, at at junkyard, and probably a few other places too, weirdly high priced. But heres one I found on ebay that doesn't look too bad

1999 Ford Explorer Rear Tailgate Tail Gate Cover Trim OEM F87B-13B482 DARK BLUE | eBay

OEM Ford Explorer Rear Liftgate Lift Gate Cover Trim. Fits 1999 99 model year, may also fit more, CHECK PART NUMBER FOR COMPATABILITY. No cracks, no major scratches.

www.ebay.com

 

[dwil4]

There are supposed to be bushings on the latches, and they tend to break apart and disappear.
This is what you'll likely need: Amazon product ASIN B000COCRHI

Yes I did notice they are gone

 

[bmdubya1198]

Replacing those should help with that movement. Also clean and lubricate the latches, they can get sticky over time.