Trouble installing Tailgate window in '89 4Runner

[jodajen2]

Hey all thanks for reading my post. I have a '89 4Runner that I am installing a new rear window and track. I very frustrated with this whole thing. If I wasn't so stubborn I would take in now to have it done by a pro. I have a new track rubber and glass. I not sure what the best way to go about this is. I am not sure if the rubber should go on first then track on next? or the rubber in the track and then on to the glass. I am not even sure if the track should be install on the glass before it goes into the tailgate. I was able to get the track on about half way so I thought I would try it in the tailgate. When I got it in I was only able to get one wheel on the track. So if I could get the track on the glass I am not sure how to get the wheels on the track. Do I need to remove the scissor mechanicism to get the wheels on? I thought that a soapy solution might help the rubber and track on the glass but it didn't help. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[WristPin]

i am not sure about the rubber you are talking about. you mean the stuff that wipes the window on the inside and outside as it goes up and down, thats located on the very top of the tailgate?

on mine that rubber is missing. so i cant realte, and havent noticed any orher rubber.

now i have been able to pull my window out. i had my wife use the console switch to roll it all the way up, and i manipulated it out of the two tracks.

on the way back in, i got one side in, and i had her toggle the swich a bit a few times so i could get the next wheel/roller in.

 

[nat88toy]

As long as the 89 are the same design as the 88 it’s really easy to do with two people. Trick the locking mechanism to think that the door is shut so you can use the key or button to move the tailgate window while the tailgate is down. Next you should see 4 bolts that hold the window mechanism in place take them all out now with the mechanism arms in the right position you should be able to slide the track to the right and slip the wheel of the windows track and do the same to the left, the window should carefully slide out past the rubber

 

[hobiesbestfriend]

The Regulator mechanism has to be out of the tailgate. Assuming you mean the rubber that cushions the part of the track that holds the window, it all gets put together first. then slide window into tailgate about halfway. Next, put the regulator back in. If you took it out properly, the arms should be at 9 and 3. Putting them back in this way will allow you to slide one wheel on then the other. Once all in where it needs to be, bolthe regulator back in, and then the window motor. That should cover it

 

[jodajen2]

Thanks for the all the info. The glass was smash by a theif so I am replacing it. I purchased a new metal u-channel (track) and rubber inserts for the u-channel from Toyota. LAST QUESTION - I have tried to get the u-channel on by placing the rubber on the glass and then pushing the u-channel on to the rubber. It is so tight it is ridiculous. I used a soap solution but it is just so tight. I even tried to use a mallet to tap it on. Should I be sliding it on or using a different lubricant?

 

[the truck doctor]

try a silicon spray lube .I work at a auto glass and truck acc. store thats what we use

 

[jodajen2]

The silicon spray lube and removing the scissor motor did the trick thanks for all the help. I knew the IH8MUD guys would be able to help.

 

[jemmy3]

thanks!

thanks for covering this. I just bought a 86 that has "rusted" guides
[part that attaches to the glass], and did a search and found this thread.

Great tip on installing the rubber, but I have a few?'s

Is there a rick to removing the old guides and rubber?
And is Toyota the only place to buy them? how much $?
Anyone have used ones from a wrecked one?
I saw a used set on Ebay starting @ $50, but no one bid...

Thx Again,
John

 

[cruiser88]

four runner tailgates are strange. my tailgate has ONLY RUST where rubber connects to the tailgate nothing on the bottom

 

[jemmy3]

yea, that's my problem, the rest of the gate is in great shape.......

I wonder if it would help to paint the replacements?
And, is there supposed to be any lube in the track/rollers?

thx,
John

 

[pappy]

Nice timing. I have a piece of glass sitting in the garage that's been there, well, like two years. The track is rusted to snot, but the glass is better than what I have. Plus, it's from an SR5 with the defroster. The track in my truck is in great shape, but the thought of removing it without busting the glass doesn't seem possible. At least now I know how to get the new one on, after I purchase it.