Rear Door/ hatch/ window problem (1 Viewer)

[racevws]

I just bought my first Land Cruiser and I am super stoked about it!
Anyway, it is in good shape overall, and it seems to run quite well and the factory lockers function well.

I do have the following issue: The rear hatch

So the right side doesn't close all the way.

Tail gate abnormal side

• racevws
• Jan 15, 2017

The left side and the tailgate is fine.

Tail gate normal side

• racevws
• Jan 15, 2017

There may have been a dent at one time in the right rear quarter panel, however, there is not anything major that I can see. I even pulled back the inner panel and could find no evidence of previous damage or accidents. The tailgate lines up fine. The rest of the door lines up fine, including the top. The side latch/stopper is barely touching it, so I know thats not getting in the way.

I want to fix it so it lines up nice, but am not sure where to start.

 

[40thSagePearl]

Check the little clamps or like rubber stoppers on the inner portion above the tail lights and make sure those line up, maybe it was loose at a point and the right side is higher than the left pushing the rear upper tailgate portion up.

 

[crikeymike]

Maybe keep the lower door open, then close the hatch and see if it's flush then. That would isolate perhaps which part is bent (if one is bent).

 

[pengfinn]

If the rear hatch gas struts have been replaced, ensure that they are not only correctly installed but also that the bolts holding them in are completely tight. Ask me how I know.

 

[Tools R Us]

The passenger side latch striker and/or stop likely isn't adjusted correctly?

 

[racevws]

Maybe keep the lower door open, then close the hatch and see if it's flush then. That would isolate perhaps which part is bent (if one is bent).

I did that, and it is still a little proud on that side, and the opposite side was sunk in a bit more, so I don't think its the tail gate. I will throw a strait edge on there today to check though.

 

[racevws]

The passenger side latch striker and/or stop likely isn't adjusted correctly?

It doesn't look like its even really touching the striker, only kinda hovering over it. I will post a pic when I get some time.