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89 jeep cherokee tailgate strut keeps poping off

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Old Apr 3, 2019 | 10:06 AM
  #1  
blazer 2008's Avatar
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From: Vernon B.C. Can.
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Default 89 jeep cherokee tailgate strut keeps poping off

My rear lift struts which are in good shape , one side at the top keeps poping off now and then ,could it be the ball on the tailgate is worn out some ? can you buy new ones and how do they come out
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Old Apr 3, 2019 | 01:12 PM
  #2  
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From: Rowlett, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
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man i had the same issue except one side ending up ripping the ball off the inside. I ended up using my 5th wheel to hold my tailgate till i had an idea how i was going to get the replacement on.

I had to end up cutting the remaining base out and purchased some universal ball mounts, i believe my profile has pictures of it. The hardest part is getting that base to come out. I believe i can get you the part number for the ball mounts from NAPA that i used.

Good luck
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Old Apr 3, 2019 | 01:20 PM
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From: Rowlett, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
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NAPA part number 735-1898 times 2 and 6 self tap screws
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Old Apr 3, 2019 | 05:47 PM
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Year: 1992
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Please post a close and far photograph.

Last edited by gat; Apr 3, 2019 at 05:51 PM.
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Old Apr 3, 2019 | 05:57 PM
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From: Nor-Cal Coast
Year: 90,84
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Does yours have a paperclip sized clip that fits through two holes holding the ball in? (look close. It goes through then folds it's horseshoe "C-clip" around it). If so remove it and see if it's bent. Also see if it has worn a slot in the ball. In 20 years of dealing with that I have much more than I can share here except that going to the junk yard, (hail Mary), with rare exception salvation is there.

Do take care and be gentile.... if you twist the nut in the frame loose messing with the ball, or brake it's stud, it gets way more interesting.

Last edited by DFlintstone; Apr 3, 2019 at 06:03 PM.
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Old Apr 3, 2019 | 06:29 PM
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Old Apr 3, 2019 | 07:58 PM
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From: Vernon B.C. Can.
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yes it has the c-clip inside the strut
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Old Apr 3, 2019 | 08:02 PM
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Excellent vid FB. I didn't watch the whole thing....I've never used the words "easy , or simple", though!
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Old Apr 9, 2019 | 07:15 PM
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blazer 2008's Avatar
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From: Vernon B.C. Can.
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Originally Posted by Batman33165
man i had the same issue except one side ending up ripping the ball off the inside. I ended up using my 5th wheel to hold my tailgate till i had an idea how i was going to get the replacement on.

I had to end up cutting the remaining base out and purchased some universal ball mounts, i believe my profile has pictures of it. The hardest part is getting that base to come out. I believe i can get you the part number for the ball mounts from NAPA that i used.

Good luck
I couldn,t find it in your profile
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Old Apr 10, 2019 | 09:29 AM
  #10  
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From: Rowlett, Texas
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
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NAPA part number 735-1898 times 2 and 6 self tap screws

Towards the end of page 12 shows a picture or two of the set up
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