I know this has probably been covered a couple of dozen times on here, but I've got some specific questions about the problem.

With the cover off the tailgate and another person working the switch, I can see the small gear move just a little and hear the motor work. The window will only go up and down when I pull or push the glass. The up/down switch has to be engaged when I do either.

Is this the problem with the bushings in the motor gear or another part? Where can I get the right parts?

Is there anything special I need to do with the glass when I take the motor out?

Is there any reason the tailgate latch wouldn't open the gate? does the window have to be down to open it? Thanks.

 

>I know this has probably been covered a couple of dozen
>times on here, but I've got some specific questions about
>the problem.

Yes, it has, but that's OK. Not every question has been answered.

>With the cover off the tailgate and another person working
>the switch, I can see the small gear move just a little and
>hear the motor work. The window will only go up and down
>when I pull or push the glass. The up/down switch has to be
>engaged when I do either.

Does the motor sound as if it is working normally? After operating the motor, does it feel HOT to the touch?

>Is this the problem with the bushings in the motor gear or
>another part? Where can I get the right parts?

If you haven't tried to lubricate gears and every other moving part, attempt that. Use white lithium grease.

>Is there anything special I need to do with the glass when I
>take the motor out?

If you have the tailgate down and then operate the glass, make sure you prop it up with something so the weight doesn't snap it. You can raise the glass with the tailgate down by "actuating" the latches on both sides of the gate.

>Is there any reason the tailgate latch wouldn't open the
>gate? does the window have to be down to open it? Thanks.

If the glass isn't lowered all the way, the gate will not open.

I hope this helps...

 

Thanks for the response.

The motor sounds like it's working right. The small gear does not turn enough to move the window. The motor isn't warm, unless I really crank on it for a long time.

I lubed everything with spray silicone, just for ease of application.

 

The drive gear assembly (attached to motor) that contacts the window regulator gears is most likely 'toast'...a common problem with Ford window lifts. I bought a new HD gear assembly from a parts house for one of my front window lifts - the rear is similar.

I just replaced my tailgate window lift motor, as my old one was 'sluggish'. The drive gear was still OK, but the motor was just getting tired. I got a re-man unit from a parts house, about $60. Be careful when you unbolt the lift motor from the regulator - it's spring loaded and can do real harm to your fingers if they get in the way.

 

My '79 was doing the same thing a few years ago. I pulled the window motor and took the cover off of it. There was a plastic gear that was worn out and slipping. I built the gear back up by wrapping it with layers of narrow electrical tape. This is probably not the best way to do it, but it was fast and cheap, and it worked this way for a couple of years. I don't know if you can get the plastic gear anywhere (or if that's your problem), but you can get the motor for it pretty easily. Good luck.
--sean

 

here is an update to the gear replacement/window fix article:
http://www.off-road.com/ford/bigbroncos/tech/window-fix.html