Doors Off - Issues putting them back on

[KANE COUNTY ILLINOIS]

Right after I created that longer guide pin I found a thread that mentioned this new product that came out Oct/2023.
https://www.amazon.com/Bronco-Hinge-Alignment-Removal-Installation/dp/B0CKC3MBW6
(Listing again just in case you missed it in the earlier posts.)

Kool, but a little pricey, correct! Did you purchase the Amazon pins or just using your homemade pins?

Sponsored

 

[AmbyMc]

Kool, but a little pricey, correct! Did you purchase the Amazon pins or just using your homemade pins?

Yes, the EZ 4x4 pins are expensive. Last October they were $70 but I didn't buy because, (a) I don't put the doors on/off enough to justify and (2) I had a working solution w/ the pin I made.

But then ... and I blame the forum for this, I did buy a few days ago (now $80) because I bought all this other stuff I don't really need for the Bronco and just threw it into my amazon cart.

I should have it tomorrow or Tuesday and be able to prove that it works just as well as my longer pin. I'll also make sure the door still makes a clicking sound when nut is not on/tightened and no sound when it is tightened.

 

[KANE COUNTY ILLINOIS]

Yes, the EZ 4x4 pins are expensive. Last October they were $70 but I didn't buy because, (a) I don't put the doors on/off enough to justify and (2) I had a working solution w/ the pin I made.

But then ... and I blame the forum for this, I did buy a few days ago (now $80) because I bought all this other stuff I don't really need for the Bronco and just threw it into my amazon cart.

I should have it tomorrow or Tuesday and be able to prove that it works just as well as my longer pin. I'll also make sure the door still makes a clicking sound when nut is not on/tightened and no sound when it is tightened.

Let me/us know how the Amazon pins work! Maybe 80 bucks is cheaper than fixing a damaged door/paint job!

 

[Rydfree]

Yes, the EZ 4x4 pins are expensive. Last October they were $70 but I didn't buy because, (a) I don't put the doors on/off enough to justify and (2) I had a working solution w/ the pin I made.

But then ... and I blame the forum for this, I did buy a few days ago (now $80) because I bought all this other stuff I don't really need for the Bronco and just threw it into my amazon cart.

I should have it tomorrow or Tuesday and be able to prove that it works just as well as my longer pin. I'll also make sure the door still makes a clicking sound when nut is not on/tightened and no sound when it is tightened.

I purchased those pins when I took my roof and doors off for the 1st time over a month ago . I think they were $69 then so they must be popular. So far I've lucked out and it hasn't rained on my days off so I'm still running top and doorless and driving a secondary vehicle to work . . I also picked up this door installer stand a week ago for $143 free shipping but waiting until weather forecast changes to try both of them out

https://www.amazon.com/Tomkate-Jack-Lift-Hoist-Automotive/dp/B0D6R798G8/ref=sr_1_9?crid=39XJ1VH1HU8HD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nzyh2ZA2uwql0Ouw7BuJi7SOzcw98FkS7eD-kwiovtrX02GSdTXeYp8zEhKlgjSc3ZTQYDheS2TeY-n0zLnqDTg9wYWdl1G-8q7wNnsEZXW82huY1aP3to240MkX2JyVxS65HAtlNwoDVmcxIvPYVYw_Wo1gUM2UfnZ4LjwcVVzkfo1tOeS7px4TMZeh6LqHZfu-1P6zrm8SkPbUxYywgfVHVtDs8C7J6vQHYhKuDhF8LeO7ObPpVjqDEZkOsBukqnJ3ojWKmTmHg3JKKk2oRi7VV9r7-AG-rdzrUQ6onBc.oHVxpsz27OX2DixGtEDMu7zt0xJREDCiKaF4BuayAqo&dib_tag=se&keywords=door+installer&qid=1718566950&sprefix=door+installer,aps,118&sr=8-9

 

[adcam]

I purchased those pins when I took my roof and doors off for the 1st time over a month ago . I think they were $69 then so they must be popular. So far I've lucked out and it hasn't rained on my days off so I'm still running top and doorless and driving a secondary vehicle to work . . I also picked up this door installer stand a week ago for $143 free shipping but waiting until weather forecast changes to try both of them out

https://www.amazon.com/Tomkate-Jack-Lift-Hoist-Automotive/dp/B0D6R798G8/ref=sr_1_9?crid=39XJ1VH1HU8HD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nzyh2ZA2uwql0Ouw7BuJi7SOzcw98FkS7eD-kwiovtrX02GSdTXeYp8zEhKlgjSc3ZTQYDheS2TeY-n0zLnqDTg9wYWdl1G-8q7wNnsEZXW82huY1aP3to240MkX2JyVxS65HAtlNwoDVmcxIvPYVYw_Wo1gUM2UfnZ4LjwcVVzkfo1tOeS7px4TMZeh6LqHZfu-1P6zrm8SkPbUxYywgfVHVtDs8C7J6vQHYhKuDhF8LeO7ObPpVjqDEZkOsBukqnJ3ojWKmTmHg3JKKk2oRi7VV9r7-AG-rdzrUQ6onBc.oHVxpsz27OX2DixGtEDMu7zt0xJREDCiKaF4BuayAqo&dib_tag=se&keywords=door+installer&qid=1718566950&sprefix=door+installer,aps,118&sr=8-9

Are the EZ pins only put on the lower hinges?

 

[Rydfree]

Are the EZ pins only put on the lower hinges?

Yes , lower only

 

[AmbyMc]

Let me/us know how the Amazon pins work! Maybe 80 bucks is cheaper than fixing a damaged door/paint job!

Just tested EZ pins. It works as advertised but I'll be returning since it doesn't really act as an elongated guide pin.

The exposed portion of the Ford pin is ~10/16. EZ pin is ~13/16. I don't think the additional 3/16 is going to help me much when struggling to align the front doors.

Regarding the clicking sound. I learned something today on that front. It's only the top hinge that makes that sound when there's a loose/missing bolt, so this product has no impact on the clicking.

 

[KANE COUNTY ILLINOIS]

Just tested EZ pins. It works as advertised but I'll be returning since it doesn't really act as an elongated guide pin.

The exposed portion of the Ford pin is ~10/16. EZ pin is ~13/16. I don't think the additional 3/16 is going to help me much when struggling to align the front doors.

Regarding the clicking sound. I learned something today on that front. It's only the top hinge that makes that sound when there's a loose/missing bolt, so this product has no impact on the clicking.

Oh my...the Amazon pin is not that much longer than the original Bronco pin, so it seems like it won't really help! Thanks for the update! I guess I'm going to use the bolt system on the right!

 

[indio22]

Just tested EZ pins. It works as advertised but I'll be returning since it doesn't really act as an elongated guide pin.

The exposed portion of the Ford pin is ~10/16. EZ pin is ~13/16. I don't think the additional 3/16 is going to help me much when struggling to align the front doors.

Regarding the clicking sound. I learned something today on that front. It's only the top hinge that makes that sound when there's a loose/missing bolt, so this product has no impact on the clicking.

Thanks for that info.

So am I correct, that the middle Amazon pin flat area (see red arrow), is for tightening down the pin to the hinge, then you install the door, and tighten a nut down onto the threads of the pin to secure the door?

In that case, to have a longer "guide pin" portion as in your homemade approach, a nut (ground down a bit as needed) could be welded to a longer threaded bolt, to basically replicated the Amazon pin but longer?

Or, is it possible to install the door using your hex cap bolt approach, and then tighten your bolt down all the way, unto the hex cap portion secures the door to the hinge? Or does the hex bolt bottom out on something before you can tighten it down all the way?

 

[AmbyMc]

Thanks for that info.

So am I correct, that the middle Amazon pin flat area (see red arrow), is for tightening down the pin to the hinge, then you install the door, and tighten a nut down onto the threads of the pin to secure the door?

In that case, to have a longer "guide pin" portion as in your homemade approach, a nut (ground down a bit as needed) could be welded to a longer threaded bolt, to basically replicated the Amazon pin but longer?

Or, is it possible to install the door using your hex cap bolt approach, and then tighten your bolt down all the way, unto the hex cap portion secures the door to the hinge? Or does the hex bolt bottom out on something before you can tighten it down all the way?

Your description/questions on how the EZ 4x4 product works are correct.

Regarding creating your own version of the EZ product, could be fun/interesting to come up with something.

I think one of the keys is to make sure the door and body side hinge mating is not changed.

My solution is just acting as a guide pin, so like the Ford pin, you remove once the door is on safely. I never thought to reproduce what this EZ product offers. (I actually created my pin before the EZ product was even offered.) The black grommet top and electrical tape was added just to make it a bit easier to screw in/out. Not needed at all.

But your last paragraph is probably correct. I think talking off that black tape and cap, screwing into the door hinge until it hits bottom (and the bottom hinge is capped off) and then (when it's time to put door back on) using an M8x1.25 flange nut to secure door should work. I think.

I don't think I'm going to bother to investigate. I was just looking for an easier/safer way to get the door back on. Longer pin worked for me. Still need to use ford bolt for top hinge so I'll just continue to use the bottom bolt.

 

[Bbaliatico]

Similar to what is described above $6 for 2 - M8 1.25 x 100mm threaded rod. Will cover top of threads by mashing some epoxy putty into them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CW1T7MP7/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A1MDC9YLETZE7Z&th=1

 

[Bbaliatico]

Similar to what is described above $6 for 2 - M8 1.25 x 100mm threaded rod. Will cover top of threads by mashing some epoxy putty into them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CW1T7MP7/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A1MDC9YLETZE7Z&th=1

Trying something new. Longer M8 bolt that has smooth shaft already. Ace hardware $3.29.

 

[tilebroncodude]

I chipped the paint on the passengers door putting it back on small enough i can touch up, my advice is to buy this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMM66HB?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1


i cut it down and put it on the edge of the vehicle and then install my door i also use the alignment tool. make sure you keep the doors plumb or you'll chip the paint. once the bolts are tight enough i remove the edge protector and retorque. The ones ford provides are comical. It gets easier. I also recommend door bags.

 

[kodiakisland]

Sometimes I do wonder how there seems to be so many issues with replacing the doors. I get that some people are really small or may have disabilities, but the average person should be able to easily replace the door with the provided pins. Especially the 4dr doors. Are people are trying to replace them standing on the outside of the door where they can't even see the hinges?

 

[JimmyG]

Sometimes I do wonder how there seems to be so many issues with replacing the doors. I get that some people are really small or may have disabilities, but the average person should be able to easily replace the door with the provided pins. Especially the 4dr doors. Are people are trying to replace them standing on the outside of the door where they can't even see the hinges?

Agreed. Everything you need is in the Ford provided toolkit that comes with your bronco. I've had the doors off and on probably 20 times and never had a problem or a scratch. This thread puzzles me.

Sponsored