When I drop the tailgate, I was getting a terrible noise, like something was binding or hitting. I thought it was the hinges till I saw this. Not sure what this part is, so I am posting a picture of both sides. It seems that both brackets where the rods attached to have come loose. Not sure how these are secured, maybe welded. See if the pics help here.
I knew that. Some trunks also have these. The top photo, bracket appears to be bent to the right. May need moved over and spot welded. Then I'd shoot some WD-40 everywhere they rub. Might just be rusty causing the squeek.
I was going to start a thread asking if anyone had adjusted these. According to a Galaxie wagon manual, I should have these as well, but good lord that tailgate is heavy, so I think it's not assisting at all.
I think the welds have broke loose. This is one heavy tailgate. They are not doing there job right now. So I could remove the rods for now until I get them welded back in place I suppose.
Those torsion springs, rods under tension, are under a lot of TENSION just like a coil spring when under load. You have to take care in adjusting or removing them. I unhooked them on a car trunk once, maybe a 1954 Ford, and remember how tight they were. Somehow they are adjustable. Sorry I can't remember how they work. I have seen them in pictures many times in car repair manuals like maybe Chiltons.
Actually, they are under a lot of TORSION, as in twisting. Tension is pulling. Compression is pushing.
