1999 Expedition 5.4 EB crack where liftgate strut connects to body

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jr1under

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A few days ago, I noticed what looks like a stress crack where the left liftgate strut attaches to the body. I would appreciate a response from anyone who knows what it means and what to do about it. Is it cosmetic or structural? Can I ignore it or do I need to panic?
crack left side liftgate.jpg
 

Hamfisted

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I'd get it welded if you can. It supports the liftgate when it's open. Pretty rare that it would develop a crack there. Are you the original owner ?
If you don't get it welded up it'll only get worse.
 
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jr1under

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Hamfisted, thanks for the quick reply. I'm the second owner, got it in 2003. First noticed the crack a few days ago and it definitely wasn't there two weeks ago. I'll try to book a welder tomorrow.
 

JVinOlathe

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It appears like at one point something hit it on the side and the area looks pushed in; the circles below the lift attchment point also have cracks starting. Your welder should be able to pull the area flat and weld thec racks or he might want to add a plate, if the existing surface is too weakened. Be sure to clean, prime and paint aftreward to prevent rust.
 
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jr1under

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Thanks for the input. I have no welding skills but this sounds like a relatively minor job for someone who does. And that has led to an unanticipated problem - finding a welder. There's plenty of body shops around but they aren't interested in non-insurance, small dollar jobs like this and I don't know any good welders personally. Don't know any bad ones either. Right now, I'm hoping for the friend of a friend network to produce a lead.
 

JVinOlathe

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Thanks for the input. I have no welding skills but this sounds like a relatively minor job for someone who does. And that has led to an unanticipated problem - finding a welder. There's plenty of body shops around but they aren't interested in non-insurance, small dollar jobs like this and I don't know any good welders personally. Don't know any bad ones either. Right now, I'm hoping for the friend of a friend network to produce a lead.
Look for machine shop or a steel fabricator; the smaller shops will do it for not too much money.
 

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