SX/4 rear latch question

[yopnopp]

I just replaced the struts on the lift gate but the latch doesn’t close. Can someone tell me what I’m missing or where I can find a replacement? I haven’t been able to find any videos or pictures of this close up.

[rmick]

Looks like its in the locked position. take a screwdriver and rotate the latch so the opening in the catch is facing up.

[yopnopp]

The thick metal bar is removeable. I played with the latch but that didn't help any.

[AMC of Houston]

Could be the pressure of the new struts have moved the hatch a skosh to where the latch adjustment isn't quite right; especially if the hinges are a bit sloppy with wear.   Need to play with the latch bar (the part in your pic) to get it lined up correctly with the latch on the lift gate.   Give us a pic of the latch part on the lift gate so we can see if its not right.

[yopnopp]

Here you go. I feel like something is missing. The latch on top connects more right but it’s the original one. Even before I changed the struts, which were the same length, it wouldn’t latch shut.

[AMC of Houston]

Yeah; looks OK from here.  Can you click the latch closed with a screwdriver OK??   If so, I'd say you just need to play with the adjustment (on the bar) until you get it right.

[yopnopp]

Yeah I’ve tried that but the bar doesn’t seem to want to go into the latch itself. Moving the position of it, the latch is too far right from the bottom part.

[AMC of Houston]

And the lift gate is straight on the body??   Weird.   Wonder if things got smacked sometime in the past?   AMC has used that same latch since the '60's, and yours looks "normal" to me.

The bolt holes in the upper latch are a bit bigger than the bolts, and will allow a little left/right adjustment.  I think one could slot the holes some more for additional adjustment if needed.