Rear Hatch strut attachment

[rikguy]

The attachment point for the lift strut on the rear hatch broke off. It looks like the piece is welded on so I'm not sure how to go about replacing it. I'm thinking about taking an air chisel to remove the old piece, then get a replacement at the junkyard and have it welded in. Anyone have any other suggestion on how to get this fixed without cutting and welding? It's just the stud that rusted and broke.
Thanks.
pics http://community.webshots.com/photo/504582505/2783390030051226211ZjSwws

 

[gijoecam]

Just to clarify, is this an '02-up or the 96 listed in your signature? (This is posted in the 02-05 forum)

IIRC, the '02-ups had a recall for this problem. The 96s did not.

-Joe

 

[cybergasm]

well i just looked at my Exlporer and the stud is rivited into the bracket which is welded to the hatchso ya ur gonna have to do some cutting/welding to fix it but i doubt the wrecking yard will sell just the bracket/stud tho since it welded, they"ll try and sell u the whole hatch complete. hope this helps some what

 

[rikguy]

Joe, it is a 96, i picked the wrong forum.
I just replaced the whole hatch 8 months ago because my son backed into something. I'll have to call a couple of yards to see if they'll cut one off for me. Maybe they'll have something with back end damage.
TX.