Hi Gang-
Long time no post. I'm having an issue with the rear tailgate on my 1998 Gen 2.
About six months ago the rear tailgate became very difficult to close. I looked for the culprit and lubed some runners, but didn't have a ton of success.
About two months ago the release handle to open the door (just above the license plate) began to malfunction and the door wouldn't open as normal.
Finally, on Saturday, I went to slam the door closed and heard a loud clunk. I looked, and found that the hardware on the door was about an 1/8 to 1/4 below the hardware on the body of the Monty. I still couldn't figure out where something was off.
Finally today, with the door closed, I think I found the issue.
The pin that holds that lower hinge appears to have sheared. Or, at least I assume the pin has sheared.
[img][image]http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/biglarrysmith/IMG_4675.jpg[/img][/image]
You can see the hinge is not lined up correctly.
[img][image]http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/biglarrysmith/IMG_4676.jpg[/img][/image]

Has anyone encountered this issue before?

Opening the door and looking on the inside of the vehicle, it appears as though I'll have to replace the entire hinge.

[img][image]http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/biglarrysmith/IMG_4673.jpg[/img][/image]
[img][image]http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j412/biglarrysmith/IMG_4674.jpg[/img][/image]

However, I've been scouring the internet all day and can't seem to find what part I need to replace. I can't even find a diagram listing the part.

Has anyone replaced this in the past? And does anyone know if I'm on the right track?
Thanks.

Been there, done that, hat and t-shirt...

Our 98 did the same way back. Behaved just as you describe. Once it let go and was clear what the problem was, I found hinges for ~$125 a shot. Wasn't in my budget to plunk down that cash. Kept the door closed for a couple of months until I finally found a yard on Car-Part.com with a wrecked door who was willing to sell just the hinges. This was before the days when I started to hit up U-Pull-its.

One idea might be to check Car-Part for someone with only the PS side of the rear section showing as good, and then no tailgate, suggesting is was rear-ended on the DS. See if they have a wrecked gate with hinges still good.

The older hinges have a pin hole to lube through. Never seen an older one fail. Been a couple of newer ones without fail though. Bet they saves $0.05 not drilling...

Welcome back.

The part number is MB669301 (although I'm not sure if it's color specific).

When I looked it up using a VIN from our VIN number repository, I get the part number above but I'm not sure if they are pre-painted from the factory.

If I were you, and assuming you have a Windows PC, I'd download the Mitsubishi ASA program (it's an actual Mitsubishi program that allows you to look up the part numbers). You can download it from the link on MontyMcV's signature.

Install it on your PC and launch it. At the main screen, enter your VIN number. Then look under the Body section and Back Door Panel & Glass sub section.

There you'll an exploded diagram w/ the hinges shown. Select the hinge that's broken (lower right?) & verify if the part number is in fact the correct one.

HTH. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Wonder if just the pins are available??? I think you can drive them out...

No, not according to the ASA program anyway...

You might try driving the broken pin parts out and take them to a local machine shop. maybe they can make you a pin that will work. I have used a local shop to make things for me that are unavailable or will cost more than me ride's worth to replace with factory parts.

It's ~$55 for a new hinge according to Korum Mitsubishi aka mitsubishiparts.com

This forum is the best!

Thank you for the responses. I'm glad to hear someone else had experienced the same thing and has the right idea for a fix.

I like the idea of finding a replacement pin at a machine shop. I'd probably do that if I were in a big city.

I tried car-part and didn't have much luck.

My plan is to take Ray's advice and buy the part for $55. That actually seems like a decent price. Thank you for finding the part number.

Any suggestions from anyone on the best way to treat the hinge before install? Black rustoleum?

Thanks. We try...
IMHO, try using your VIN with the mitsu ASA app. first. Who knows, it's possible they come prepainted and your vin OS needed for the correct p/n.

I ordered that part minutes after you posted the number! Will have to try the rustoleum.

Wonder if I can download that manual if I run windows on my mac.

Thanks again.