StrikeBoltLocs.jpg
0 hits | 44.19 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
Swingaway Strike Brace & Bolts
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

When replacing the t/g shell, it's best to use the strike bracket to position the bolts from inside so they mark their holes' locations on the skin.
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

StrikeNut93BEB.jpg
0 hits | 65.9 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
Strike Nut
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

Like the door strike bolts, the tailgate strikes use a captive nut in the body that's easy to remove. If it falls out, simply re-install it. The fingers that hold it can be bent tighter so it doesn'...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

SwitchRewire1.JPG
0 hits | 56.87 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
Dash Switch Rewire
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

When installing relays in the t/g to unload the switches, the dash switch must be re-pinned as simple NO (normally-open) grounds.
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

SwingawayPadOE.jpg
0 hits | 44.47 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
Swingaway Pad
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

This pad is used to protect the tailgate paint from the rubber bumper on the bottom of the swingaway tire carrier. The pad is adhesive, and the pins keep it from sliding when the truck bounces. ...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

End Seal.JPG
13374 hits | 116.55 KB | Posted: 7/7/03
If you only need to change the weatherbelts, or if the glass (F2TZ9842006A) needs to come out, remove the screw from each end seal and rotate them up toward the glass to disengage the hooked end from the lip inside the window opening. Then remove th...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Tailgate O.JPG
12863 hits | 87.28 KB | Posted: 11/28/04
If the motor spins but won't move the glass (F2TZ9842006A), just push it down all the way, and you can open the tailgate. Never try to open or close the t/g with the glass sticking up as shown. It should be FULLY inside the t/g.

If the glass is br...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Mechanism In.JPG
10431 hits | 29.95 KB | Posted: 11/28/04
View from the driver's side

. [url=https://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/media/980125][img]h...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Mechanism Side.JPG
9764 hits | 55.57 KB | Posted: 11/28/04
View from the passenger side

. [url=https://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/media/980125][img]...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Latch Closed.JPG
10377 hits | 35.98 KB | Posted: 11/28/04
To operate the motor with the tailgate open, simply close the driver's latch. Be SURE to open it before you attempt to close the tailgate or you'll damage the plastic sleeve on the strike bolt.

On '78~85, BOTH latches must be closed because the int...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Swingaway Brace.JPG
8033 hits | 71.44 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
Before removing the regluator, remove the tire carrier's strike brace (if equipped).


(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Strike Bracket.JPG
7939 hits | 67.45 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
Later Broncos (~'90-96) have 3 bolts holding the strike to the bracket. Before that, there were only 2.


(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Window Motor Gear.jpg
10190 hits | 48.91 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
This is the repair kit (DOAZ-62234A24-B $27.37 List; $20.53 in 2004), but you can also use 1/4" fuel hose with thin plastic tubing inside to reinforce it & cut to length, or even appropriately-sized nuts to fill in where the original rubber insu...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Switch Down.JPG
8723 hits | 47.95 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
When the key is rotated CW, the paddle presses the lower switch. The silver hairpin clip retains the switch assembly on the lock cylinder.

I usually keep spare lock cylinders, so if you can't find one locally, e-mail me thru my profile here.

[url=...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Switch Up.JPG
7813 hits | 62.88 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
When the key is rotated CCW, the paddle presses the upper switch. Note the arrangement of parts on top of the switch bracket: E-ring, spacer, spring washer, paddle, switch bracket.

I usually keep spare lock cylinders, so if you can't find one local...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Switch Off.jpg
6506 hits | 15.51 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
By removing ONLY the silver clip, the switch assembly can be removed from the lock cylinder.

I usually keep spare lock cylinders, so if you can't find one locally, e-mail me thru my profile here.

[url=https://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/4013...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Clip Remove.JPG
6374 hits | 62.56 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
To remove these clips (which are used on the frame also), push the pin in the center all the way through.


(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Clip.JPG
5942 hits | 99.79 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
With the center pin out, the clip compresses, and can be pulled out of its hole.


(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Tailgate cables.JPG
6502 hits | 59.56 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
Early cable screws are #3 or #4 phillips; later ones are T-50. New cables are available from most parts stores for ~$13ea. I may have some for sale. E-mail me thru my profile.

[url=https://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/544686][img]https://ww...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

StrikeBolt 78Bronco.jpg
7531 hits | 56.08 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
'78-82 Broncos used this type of strike bolt, and a different latch from '83-96. They are not interchangeable.

[url=https://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/669370][/u...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TailgateLockParts.JPG
9820 hits | 38.01 KB | Posted: 7/7/06
Lock Cylinder for '78-96 Bronco tailgate
https://www.npdlink.com/product/lock-cylinder-and-keys-tailgate/207568/80870

The parts are shown in factory order:
E-ring
Spacer
Spring washer
Paddle
Flat washer
Extension
Hairpin
Lock Cylinder

The switch a...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TGHarness90.JPG
6126 hits | 49.09 KB | Posted: 9/26/07
SOLD Bronco Tailgate Wiring Harness from '90 fits '80-91



Note repairs & missing terminals.

To add a simple se...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TGLatch78-82.JPG
6795 hits | 22.23 KB | Posted: 9/5/08
'78-82 tailgate latches are significantly different from '83-96. Because they mount differently in the tailgate, neither the latches nor the t/g skins will interchange across those years. This is the only significant difference on '78-96 Bronco tai...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TGHarness86.JPG
4742 hits | 45.47 KB | Posted: 9/21/08
SOLD Tailgate Harness fits '78~86 with or w/o defrost.



To add a simple self-diagnostic capability, wire a 12V ...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

BumperFillerR.JPG
2397 hits | 40.64 KB | Posted: 10/26/08
SOLD Rear Bumper Filler for '80-96 Bronco with step bumper & NO body lift


(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

StrikeBolt832.JPG
5059 hits | 70.46 KB | Posted: 6/13/09
This is an '83-96 tailgate strike bolt installed in the hole for a '78-82 type using a large angle-iron nut plate (not visible inside). Although not ideal, it has worked fine for ~12 years of rough use. I suspect the reason it's holding up is that ...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TGFillerB.JPG
2174 hits | 69.95 KB | Posted: 6/28/11
SOLD Filler between Bronco tailgate & bumper for stock body height. All original fasteners included.


(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TorsnRodAcc.JPG
3569 hits | 77.93 KB | Posted: 1/24/12
With the R hinge fully back, the torsion bar will BARELY fit out. Raising the hinge, or raising the t/g on the lower hinge, would help. The foam sleeve has to come off the inside end before it will slide out of the hole, and there are 2 clamp brack...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TG95RedBent.JPG
1502 hits | 37.53 KB | Posted: 2/20/12
SOLD Red '95 Bronco EB Tailgate
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.
This is now stripped to an empty shell. The bottom left corner has a dog-ear bend.

Crating materials cost ~$65.

[url=https://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/570205][img]https:/...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Xploded.JPG
6252 hits | 85.77 KB | Posted: 5/9/13
Exploded Tailgate
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.


(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TGnew03.JPG
2546 hits | 112.06 KB | Posted: 4/21/14
To perfectly center the swingaway strike bolt holes, first install the brace to the t/g, with this upper area centered over the welded & punched reinforcement inside.

[url=https://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/160903][img]https://www.supermotor...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TGnew04.JPG
2270 hits | 100.42 KB | Posted: 4/21/14
Reverse the dimples with the drill bit tip and they should be perfectly aligned with the bracket inside. A stepped bit will do less damage to the threads, but don't let it go to a step larger than the nut holes or you'll remove the threads.

[url=ht...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TGdentPull.jpg
1904 hits | 126.7 KB | Posted: 6/10/15
Undentation

The best way to remove any dent is to apply force in exactly the opposite direction that caused the dent. Since I backed the spare into a tree, I'm now pulling on the swingaway strike. I had to climb up and stomp on the buckled lip, bu...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

56TGcrunchy.JPG
1999 hits | 78.79 KB | Posted: 6/10/15
Probably the most-common damage to a Bronco t/g: backing into a stationary object. Trees just don't move fast enough to get out of my way.

[url=https://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/1060098][img]https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/1060098/thum...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TailgateBurg.jpg
398 hits | 36.53 KB | Posted: 12/22/21
SOLD Burgundy Bronco EB Tailgate Sep.21
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.
This is now stripped to an empty shell.

Crating materials cost ~$60 in 2021. Dimensions 69x26x10" 98.3 lbs shipped from 38133.

[url=https://www.supermotors.net/regist...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

CarpetPin.JPG
0 hits | 92.64 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
Pushpins (14 required)
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

Tailgate carpet uses the same pushpins as camper trim.
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

DashSw92-96.JPG
0 hits | 70.1 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
'92-96 Dash Switch F2TZ-14529-A & Motorcraft SW7071 costs ~$25~65 if you can find it.
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

Imported knock-offs are available, and these genuine switches are probably out of production.
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

HarnessLoad.jpg
0 hits | 61.09 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
Loaded '92-96 Bronco Tailgate Harness
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

Many worthwhile improvements can be easily integrated into the tailgate harness, without modifying the frame or dash harnesses.

See also:
[url=https://www.supermotors.net/re...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

RemRpr1.jpg
0 hits | 59.45 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
Remote Repair
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

The top row is before (BENT); the bottom row is the same views after the lever has been straightened.
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Switches87-91.jpg
0 hits | 43.79 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
'87-91 Tailgate Switches
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

.

See also:
. [url=https://www.supermotors...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Threshold.jpg
0 hits | 54.67 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
Tailgate Threshold Installation
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

The 56928-S55 screws are phillips head with large integral washer ~1/4" long with self-drilling tip.The 55933-S55 screws are countersunk oval phillips head ~1/4" long with normal p...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Tracks Graphite.jpg
0 hits | 57.81 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
Regulator Channels
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

Grease collects grime, causing wear & binding. Either keep the channels & slides clean & dry (the plastic is its own lubricant), or apply graphite paint (which dries).
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

TrimHoleLayout.jpg
0 hits | 79.85 KB | Posted: 11/13/25
'87-96 Trim Panel Hole Layout
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

Double-check against your trim panel's fastener locations before drilling. Carpet pin locations should be marked through the carpet's holes, after the carpet is aligned to the handle...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Glass Up.JPG
12007 hits | 72.74 KB | Posted: 11/28/04
If the motor runs but doesn't move the glass (w/o defrost E0TZ9842006B, w/defrost F2TZ9842006A), push the glass up for access. The glass is strong enough to support its own weight fully extended, but not much extra weight.

If the motor doesn't run,...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Motor Apart.JPG
10967 hits | 69.52 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
The pointers show what's left of the rubber insulators, which probably degraded faster due to the excessive grease inside the gear. As the new part demonstrates, NONE is required inside the white plastic gear.

The metal & nylon gears simply slide u...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)

Switch C.JPG
8664 hits | 56.71 KB | Posted: 11/29/04
The tailgate key switch is 2 weather-resistant SPDT micro switches riveted into a bracket, and operated by a paddle attached to the lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is retained by the brown clip against the painted surface, much like the door lock c...
(Posted in: Tailgate Tech)