Tailgate - liftgate gap

[Snukulu]

Gasket on bottom of liftgate is new, hardtop hinges are new and not bent. Struts also new. The liftgate folds with good tension until the last 5% or so and then is a little spongy. When you close the tailgate, there's a gap as shown in the pics. If I push down on the glass after closing the tailgate, it does seem like it "sucks" itself shut. I'm not sure if it stays like that because I haven't had it out on the road since I got the hardtop. Thoughts? I know if shouldn't matter but it's a 2000TJ and a 97 hardtop. I had run a rubber piece along the top of the tailgate, but it didn't fit well, and I'd rather have it seat itself correctly the first time.

 

[Halbarad]

Looks like you are missing the latch pieces for the window. There are two metal things on either side (on a soft top its a solid metal strut across) for the window frame can slip into.

 

[Snukulu]

I do have them, but I thought they only stayed on with the soft top. Will get those on tomorrow and see what happens, thanks!

 

[Halbarad]

I do have them, but I thought they only stayed on with the soft top. Will get those on tomorrow and see what happens, thanks!

Ah, I see. Yeah hardtops have two separate small ones, soft tops have one long one. They help keep the window down and friction latch it in place so the tailgate can push it sealed.

 

[Snukulu]

So I just put on the ones I have for my soft top, and that's not the answer. those actually push the glass further out. I have the long bar, too, but that goes through the bottom of the soft top. Back to square one.

 

[Mitchrb1]

I leave my soft top retainer brackets on when using the hard top also. But, I am thinking your gas shocks may be the issue here the way you are describing it shutting. Try putting the retainer brackets back as they should hold the glass in place when it's closed but, also remove the gas shocks and put it down manually/carefully and see if it fits with them off. if it does I'd look into different shocks if there is no adjustment.