My recently acquired 89 Bronco came to me with a missing access panel and a dysfunctional tailgate window. I've since obtained the one and repaired the other, but I still have an issue. I have a pushrod/lockrod rattling around in the tailgate that I can't quite seem to figure out where it goes. It's attached on one end but the other just flops about. I've checked various diagrams online but I don't seem to be able to grasp where this goes or what it's for. The tailgate seems to operate fine without this being attached to anything, it just flails around and rattles and is therefore very annoying. Anyone have any ideas? Pictures below are clickable for higher resolution version; thanks in advance.

 

LMC catalog for 80-96 Broncos on page 23. It appears to be the Latch rod. If I remember correctly, it is part of the safety feature that prevents you from opening the tailgate until the window is all of the way down so you don't open it with the window part way down and break the glass.

 

Again, I know this thread is very old. But since I just went through all the tailgate window/motor etc replace and got a reply on this thread, I will answer the posters question, however old The rod shown and in question is the rod that hooks to an arm on the tailgate latch mechanism. Notice it does not have an "S" bend on the loose end to fit into some hole. It is an "L" shaped hook. It is the safety rod that catches the bottom of the window when it is fully down to insure the latch will not release the side locks to lower the tailgate if the window is not all the way down. This rod should hang straight down from the latch. I am sure the original poster already knows all this, but for the benefit of new searches on tailgate window issues maybe it will help make things a little clearer.

 

Lower pic:

 

Tx ND, but have seen this diagram. LMC's catalog pics are pretty good, used them to order some of the parts. Main one was the actual latch mechanism itself. I have had to break off for a few days and put out other "fires". Neither the key lock nor the dash switch work, presumed to somehow be the connection between the safety switch and the left hand tailgate latch. Both are shown on all diagrams, but I cannot see inside the panel to see how they connect to one another. Some how, the side latch mechanism has to relay to the safety switch that it is closed completely so the key/dash switches can work. I have had the side latch completely out as well as the other side but see no connection. With the tailgate open to access the interior of the panel, I cannot stand on my head enough to see whats down there ! Someone must know how the sidelatch and the safety switch work together.