Jeep Wrangler 1997 Manual - page 893
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the latch in the tailgate.
(2) Install the screw attaching latch to tailgate. Do
not tighten screw.
(3) Connect the lock cylinder to latch rod.
(4) Connect the outside handle to latch rod.
(5) Install the latch trim cover. Tighten all screws.
TAILGATE LATCH STRIKER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the striker from the bracket with a
Torx bit.
(2) Remove the shim washers from the bracket.
(3) Remove
the
screws
attaching
the
striker
bracket to the body.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the striker bracket on the body and
install the screws.
(2) Position the striker and shim washers on the
striker bracket.
(3) Install the striker in the bracket with a Torx
bit. Tighten the striker to 71 N·m (52 ft. lbs.) torque.
TAILGATE WEATHERSTRIP AND CHANNEL
REMOVAL
(1) Open the tailgate.
(2) Remove the push-in fasteners attaching the
weatherstrip to the top corners of the tailgate (Fig.
86).
(3) Peel the weatherstrip from the upper tailgate
corners.
(4) Slide the weatherstrip out of the tailgate.
(5) If the weatherstrip channel requires replace-
ment, peel the weatherstrip channel from the tail-
gate.
INSTALLATION
(1) If the weatherstrip channel is being replaced;
(a) Clean the channel contact surface on the tail-
gate with isopropyl alcohol, or equivalent.
(b) Peel the paper backing from the weatherstrip
channel.
(c) Position weatherstrip channel to the tailgate
and press into place.
(d) Use hand pressure or a roller to wet out the
tape adhesive holding the weatherstrip channel to
the tailgate.
Fig. 85 Tailgate Latch Cover
Fig. 86 Tailgate Weatherstrip
TJ
BODY
23 - 47
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)