Can I move the rear panel over?

[panteramatt]

Tried to shut the tailgate on my new bronco and see the L bracket that catches the tailgate on the bed sides is too far out and when shut, it looks like the left bed need to be moved in about 1/4". Can it be done and how? Im sure after all these years its sagging out a little.

 

[Skiddy]

cheap and dirty way is a ratchet strap from one side to the other. another way would be weld brace from the bed to side panel after you get it pulled in. not sure what others have done

 

[Crawdad]

I tried the ratchet strap approach a week ago, did not work. But if I had a heavy duty ratchet strap I bet it might help. I used two everyday normal ratchet straps. One began to tear, the other began to bend at handle. I was afraid to go any farther in fear it was gonna blow up in my face. There is a brace underneath and on both corners. You may be able to cut it, bend quarter back in, and then weld the cut. If you find a better way I'm all ears!

Both of my quarters are out about 1/2" each. Take pics and let us know how you takled it! Good luck!!

 

[Devin]

Just let Skiddy drive it for you. He'll bend it back in place! ;D

 

[Skiddy]

Just let Skiddy drive it for you. He'll bend it back in place! ;D

hey you must of seen my rear quarter

 

[00gyrhed]

If it is out of square like mine you can do what i did. I made a jack out out a piece of 3/4 pipe with a 1/2-20 nut welded in the end of it then took a bolt and used it to spread the bed sides. When the first one got right I shimmed it to the roll bar and bolted the rail solid to the roll cage. then I kept pushing until the other was straight and square then bolted it down tight.

But if it is square and the tailgate will not fit the easiest thing might be to grind of the edge of the tailgate rather than cut and reweld. But a 1/4 inch is a little too far for that.

 

[panteramatt]

The tailgate fits fine. Its when you try to shut it that the left bed end it too far out and the L latch part that attached to the end of the bed thatt the tailgates latch goes into is too far over hitting the latch instead of going into it. If you slam and force the tailgate it will shut and then you can see that the left bed end is about 1/4" too far over.

 

[ol gray mare]

After mine was rolled I used a cable jack to pull the rear panels back to square. I think it was rated at 1 1/2 tons.

 

[DirtDonk]

The L-bracket is adjustable Matt. Loosen the screws and see if it will slide far enough over.
I think it is capable of going in and out, as well as up and down.

Hope that helps.

Paul

 

[half cab]

I had to use a come-a-long on mine

 

[Wyflyer]

check the angle gussets beneath the corner and see if they are intact. Quite a few rust away which allows the fender to lean out. You can take off the tailgate, use a big strap or come along, pull from the top of the left to the bottom of the right corner until it stays square. Use tape measure and carpenter square to know when it's right. If the gusset is not intact the fender will never stay in place

 

[panteramatt]

Thanx Paul and yes thats the first thing I did but i twas already adjusted over. Plus, I would like the panel to line up to the tailgate better for when its closed.

The L-bracket is adjustable Matt. Loosen the screws and see if it will slide far enough over.
I think it is capable of going in and out, as well as up and down.

Hope that helps.

Paul

 

[panteramatt]

Where are all these gussetts? Can I see them from inside behind the paneling?