Rear Liftgate Strut Support Pins

[Lofti1]

The upper pins on the rear hatch of my 1998 Windstar broke off due to age and rust. Does anybody have any experience or idea as to how these pins can be replaced to support hte struts?

[mtsav8or]

I just finished fixing this problem on my van. Here's how I did it.

Tools used:

4" Angle Grinder

Regular Drill

Proper size drill bit

Socket Wrench and Sockets

Parts Source:

http://www.autopartsbylou.com/index.phpr

http://www.autopartsbylou.com/lift-s...item=b-bs10-1z

You'll need a 10mm Ball Stud. You'll also need to buy a fitting nut and lock washer.

I used the 4" grinder to grind what was left of the stud flat to the bracket. Then I used a high carbon drill bit about the same size as the stud to bore a hole through bracket where the old stud was. Afterwards, it was just a matter of fastening the ball stud to the bracket and attach a new lift strut.

It looks like the stud will be too big to clear the opening but if just fits and works great.

Good luck!!!

[Lofti1]

Thx for the folow up and reply.
Sounds like a nice fix.

My windstar served me well and brought me $4,500 in the great Obama buy back program.

It's now serving me as a Mazda 3 with a 5- speed stick.