Windstar 2002 Minivan - Lifts question

[DianaFl]

The upper left lift hardware (some people call it stud ball) snapped and fell. Had to remove the lift so the the gate could close. A friend advised to replace both lifts as they are pretty tired (they look like shock absorbers and they provide cushioning support to the van's rear gate when opening and closing) He also advised to install two new stud ball pieces (they look like a small bolt with a perfectly rounded 10 mm head) My question: how do I remove the remaining stud ball? Does it get unscrewed? I plan on supporting the open gate on a ladder as it is very heavy and replacing both lifts and the stud balls that the lifts are hooked on.

Any help wil be greatly appreciated.

[12Ounce]

I would first just replace the two lifts. Don't worry about replacing the ball-pins unless there is some obvious problem with them ... such as the lifts just won't stay in place. I have replaced mine twice over the years ... original ball-pins I believe.

Good luck.

[DianaFl]

Thanks, 12Ounce. I would agree with you were not because one of the ball-pins snapped and fell off already and I can't trust the remaining one. I have inspected the remaining one at close range and I fail to see if there is a nut. All I can think of is that the ball-pin gets screwed into the allocated orifice until a built-in flange puts a stop to the torque. I need to know how to remove it. I am waiting for two ball-pins that I have ordered but, meanwhile, I don't know what they look like. Once I get them I might be able to have an idea of how they get attached.
Thanks again.

[12Ounce]

Oops! Did not notice that one had broken already.

I don't think you will have any problem changing them out. That hex-shaped base is a dead giveaway ... a socket wrench should take care of it. Just unscrew. Those spot welds tell me there is a nut-plate in place underneath.

[DianaFl]

Thanks again, 12Ounce. I am surprised that about sixty people read my initial message and you are the only one trying to help me. Maybe my problem is just trivia to those who know how to deal with it even though the risk of a van's rear gate crashing down on a person, because of hardware failure, can be deadly. Your advice of using a socket wrench might work. I have news for you (and for anybody who might need that tiny piece of hardware that is causing all my problems) Dealers charge between $13.00 to $17.00 plus tax for just one of those screws. I had ordered two aftermarket pieces from an independent merchant for $8.50 each but ... I have just been informed that shipping charges are $12.00! I cancelled the order. Now I have one more reason to "unscrew" the remaining pin and take it to a local autoparts store for matching. A friend of mine got those things for his car for just $2.90 each. Her car is a different make and model, though.
Your time and effort are truly appreciated, 12Ounce.

[12Ounce]

I'm sure you will find this thing in an aftermarket shop ... try NAPA if you have a good one nearby. Have you received the replacement lifts already? .... sometimes these end details are included ... though rarely, I'd admit.