How Do You Adjust Trunk Lid Tension?

[unclejohnny_69]

I need help adjusting the tension on my trunk lid (if possible). It seems like whenever the trunk is open and a light (and I do mean light) breeze comes the lid slams shut. This even happens when a load is placed in the trunk. Is there a way to adjust the tension on the bars so that the lid stays up?

Thanks!

[SUERED]

...Look inside the trunk at the hinges. You will see on the passenger side a rack type setup on the outboard side of the hinge---looks like limbs of a tree with a small steel bar set into one of those notches. That bar goes lengthwise across the top to the hinge on the other side. This bar is what give the trunk lid the motion/strength to open/close. You simply remove the bar from the slot that the end of it rests in and set it to the appropriate one of the three slots available. As I have not touched mine--I offer nothing as to what is safe procedure or not. I wouldnt think that much torque is involved. Ours is set in the middle slot. Yours is obviously on the weakest setting--unless something was added to weigh the lid down---like a luggage rack? It may take effort to do this--and/or a tool like a locking pliers to get a grip on it.

[97Bird]

The torsion bars are under a great deal of tension! This is not a job to be taken lightly so my advice is to take it to a dealer to have it adjusted. If you want to do it yourself and risk getting severly injured then consider using a 1/2" deep well socket and a 6" extension over the end of the torsion bar to pry it up to the next location slot. Be sure the trunk is being held fully open when you try to adjust it so the least amount of tension is on the bars. Wear safety googles and a helmet!

[JR Tigerstar]

Trunk lid lift support

[SUERED]

Thsnks 97Bird for the clarification. I should not have made the torque comment--that was somewhat stupid. How about a piece of black pipe perhaps a foot long 3/4 inch size might be a safe lever? short pieces are sold in hardware stores.

[consultant]

Originally Posted by unclejohnny_69

I need help adjusting the tension on my trunk lid (if possible). It seems like whenever the trunk is open and a light (and I do mean light) breeze comes the lid slams shut. This even happens when a load is placed in the trunk. Is there a way to adjust the tension on the bars so that the lid stays up?

Thanks!

The shop manual procedure for adjusting the tension is a bit involved -

On the MN12 site is an article of how to add Mustang gas lift supports to the T-bird's trunk hinges to hold it open - apparently a major issue for those with a spoiler on the rear trunk lid.

Here's the link:

http://www.mn12performance.com/mn12h...iftsupport.htm