Description
About the Ford LTD II Rear Door Regulator
Direct fit Ford LTD II mid-size car 1977-1979 (3-year brief US production). The Ford LTD II was Ford’s BRIEF mid-size car replacing the discontinued Ford Torino (1968-1976), carryover platform from Torino with updated styling and LTD-branded identity for mid-size market positioning. The LTD II name leveraged ‘LTD’ brand equity from successful full-size LTD line while differentiating with ‘II’ designation for the mid-size variant.
LTD II filled brief gap in Ford mid-size market between Torino discontinuation 1976 and Ford downsizing full-size LTD to mid-size footprint in 1979 restructuring. The LTD II existed only because Ford needed mid-size offering between these transitions. Built on Torino/Ranchero-derived mid-size platform with body-on-frame construction typical 1970s American mid-size architecture, heavy steel construction pre-downsizing era.
Body styles: 2-door hardtop coupe (sportier configuration), 4-door sedan (this listing’s body for rear door application), station wagon (family hauler). Sister Mercury Cougar XR-7 (1977-1979 mid-size Cougar built on same Torino-derived platform with more luxurious Mercury trim).
LTD II engines: 302 V8 Windsor (5.0L ~130-140 HP, the famous Ford small block V8 used across Ford lineup 1970s-1990s including Mustang/Fairmont/F-Series/Bronco), 351M V8 Modified (5.8L ~144-152 HP, mid-sized Ford V8 distinct from 351W Windsor and 351C Cleveland variants – ‘M’ indicates Modified engine family made at Cleveland Engine Plant), 400 V8 Modified (6.6L ~158-173 HP, largest engine for LTD II heavy-duty applications). Transmissions: C-4 3-speed automatic (smaller V8 applications), C-6 3-speed heavy-duty automatic (larger V8), FMX 3-speed automatic (mid-sized Ford V8). RWD only.
LTD II discontinuation 1979: after brief 3-year run, LTD II discontinued when Ford downsized full-size LTD to mid-size footprint in 1979 federal fuel economy era (CAFE Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards from 1975 pushed mid-size and smaller cars). The 1979+ Ford LTD became mid-size successor (continued through 1986 as mid-size LTD), full-size role continued by Ford LTD Crown Victoria (1980-1991) and Ford Crown Victoria (1992-2011, famous as police car standard).
LTD naming evolution (complex heritage): LTD original full-size 1965-1978 → LTD II 1977-1979 (brief mid-size) → mid-size LTD 1979-1986 (after downsizing) → LTD Crown Victoria 1980-1991 (full-size continuation) → Crown Victoria 1992-2011 (standalone successor famous as police interceptor for 20+ years).
Window regulator definition: mechanism inside vehicle door that raises and lowers window glass via driver/passenger control. Types: (1) Manual crank regulator (hand-cranked, common 1970s base trim), (2) Electric power window regulator (operated by switch and motor, higher trim levels), (3) Cable regulator (cable-driven), (4) Scissor regulator (pivoting arms common 1960s-1970s), (5) Sector gear regulator (geared mechanism with curved sector gear common 1970s domestic).
Rear door regulator specific to LTD II: located in rear door (4-door sedan), lifts/lowers rear door window for passenger ventilation. Different from front door regulators (different geometry and mounting). LTD II 1977-1979 era mechanisms typically use sector gear or cable-driven construction.
Construction: steel mounting plate to door inner structure, mechanism (manual sector gear or electric motor with cable/sector system), glass attachment points (tabs or brackets), crank handle (manual) or motor (electric) input, mounting brackets to door inner structure (3-5 mounting bolts typical), pivot points for smooth movement.
Common failure modes vintage mid-size cars: broken/frayed lift cable (window falls down or won’t lift), worn gear teeth (sector gear wear from decades of use – erratic movement), electric motor failure (power windows – motor burns out, brushes wear), broken plastic guides (window track guides crack from age and plastic degradation), corroded mechanism (especially salt-belt areas), bent/damaged mounting brackets, broken crank handle (manual), stripped internal gear.
Vintage Ford restoration market active for LTD II: reproduction parts available from Year One Restoration, NPD (National Parts Depot Ford Specialty), Original Parts Group (OPG), Auto Body Specialties. NOS (New Old Stock) sometimes available rare/expensive. Used OE from US salvage yards (this listing’s source) limited but available.
Ford LTD II Heritage
Production: 1977-1979 (3-year brief US production)
Position: Ford’s brief mid-size car (Torino successor)
Platform: Torino-derived body-on-frame mid-size
Predecessor: Ford Torino 1968-1976
Sister: Mercury Cougar XR-7 1977-1979
Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, station wagon
Engines: 302/351M/400 V8s
Transmissions: C-4/C-6/FMX 3-speed automatic
Drivetrain: RWD only
Discontinued: 1979 (Ford downsized full-size LTD)
Window Regulator Function
Function: Raises and lowers door window glass
Types: Manual crank or electric power window
Mechanism: Sector gear or cable drive (LTD II era)
Mounting: 3-5 bolts to door inner structure
Glass Attachment: Tabs or brackets to glass channel
Common Failure: Broken cable, worn gears, motor failure
- Ford LTD II Coverage:
| Ford LTD II 1977 | First year production |
| Ford LTD II 1978 | Mid-production |
| Ford LTD II 1979 | Final year (LTD downsizing 1979 ended LTD II) |
| Body Style Specific: | |
| 4-Door Sedan (Rear Door) | This listing’s primary application |
| Station Wagon (Rear Door) | Verify configuration |
| Regulator Type Specific: | |
| Manual Crank Regulator | Base trim configuration |
| Electric Power Window Regulator | Higher trim configuration |
| Door Side Specific: | |
| Driver Side Rear (Left) | Specific configuration |
| Passenger Side Rear (Right) | Mirror configuration |
| Sister Vehicle: | |
| Mercury Cougar XR-7 1977-1979 | Sister mid-size vehicle (often interchanges) |
| Related Predecessor: | |
| Ford Torino 1968-1976 | Same platform some parts interchange |
| Ford Ranchero 1968-1979 | Same platform front section |
| NOT Compatible: Ford LTD Full-Size 1965-1978 | Different platform (full-size LTD) |
| NOT Compatible: Ford LTD Mid-Size 1979-1986 | Different platform (downsized LTD) |
| NOT Compatible: Ford Crown Victoria | Modern successor different platform |
Call (240) 301-0095. Critical questions: (1) Year (1977, 1978, or 1979 – minor variations possible). (2) Body style (4-door sedan or station wagon – both have rear doors). (3) Manual crank or electric power window (DIFFERENT regulators). (4) Driver rear or passenger rear (mirror configurations). (5) Trim level (base vs premium may affect regulator type). (6) Restoration project specifics.
Operation tested smooth Window movement up and down verified
No binding through travel
Mounting bolts thread properly Not stripped
Glass attachment points intact
Crank handle present (manual) Or motor functional (power)
Electric motor tested (power windows)
No broken cables
Sector gear teeth intact No stripping visible
Plastic guides intact (or noted)
Year/body style/configuration verified
Donor vehicle disclosed
Cleaned of grime and old grease
For Ford LTD II rear door window regulator
1977-1979 3-year brief production coverage
Mid-size LTD II era expertise
Torino predecessor context (1968-1976)
Ford Ranchero pickup variant context (same platform)
Sister Mercury Cougar XR-7 1977-1979 cross-compatibility
Body-on-frame construction pre-downsizing era
302 V8 Windsor 5.0L Ford small block heritage
351M V8 Modified 5.8L distinct from 351W/351C heritage
400 V8 Modified 6.6L largest engine context
C-4 / C-6 / FMX 3-speed automatic transmission context
RWD-only pre-1980s mid-size context
Body styles (2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, station wagon)
- LTD naming evolution expertise (full-size to LTD II to mid-size LTD to Crown Victoria)
Theofilos Konstantopoulos-Stamatides –
Replaced failing rear door regulator on my 1978 Ford LTD II 4-Door Sedan Brougham (3-year brief mid-size production 1977-1979 the LTD II was Ford’s mid-size car replacing discontinued Ford Torino 1968-1976 with Torino-derived platform updated styling and LTD-branded identity, 351M V8 Modified 5.8L ~152 HP the mid-sized Ford V8 distinct from 351W Windsor and 351C Cleveland with ‘M’ indicating Modified engine family made at Cleveland Engine Plant, C-6 3-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission for larger V8 applications, RWD configuration as all pre-1980s Ford mid-size, 4-door sedan body style for family use as commuter, Brougham premium trim level with plush velour interior and chrome trim typical of 1970s American mid-size luxury). Original passenger side rear regulator had broken internal sector gear teeth causing window to fail mid-travel – classic vintage manual regulator failure mode after 45+ years of use. Vaz educated me extensively on the Ford LTD II heritage (1977-1979 3-year brief mid-size production, Torino predecessor 1968-1976 same platform, body-on-frame construction pre-downsizing era typical 1970s American mid-size architecture, discontinued 1979 when Ford downsized full-size LTD to mid-size footprint absorbing LTD II’s market position in CAFE Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards era from 1975+), LTD naming evolution complex history (LTD original full-size 1965-1968 as Galaxie variant then standalone 1968-1978, LTD II brief mid-size 1977-1979 my era, mid-size LTD 1979-1986 after downsizing, LTD Crown Victoria 1980-1991 full-size continuation, Crown Victoria 1992-2011 famous police car standard for 20+ years), sister Mercury Cougar XR-7 1977-1979 cross-compatibility context (same Torino-derived platform with Mercury brand luxury trim positioning above Ford LTD II), engine options (my 351M V8 distinct from Windsor and Cleveland variants, plus 302 V8 Windsor 5.0L Ford small block and 400 V8 Modified 6.6L largest engine), transmission options (C-4 smaller V8, my C-6 heavy-duty for larger V8, FMX mid-size Ford), Ford Ranchero pickup variant sister vehicle on same platform 1968-1979, window regulator function and construction (sector gear or cable-driven mechanism for vintage 1970s era with manual crank in base trim and electric power in higher trim like my Brougham), common failure modes (my worn sector gear teeth as most common manual regulator failure plus broken/frayed cables and electric motor failure for power windows and broken plastic guides and corroded mechanism and broken crank handle), and vintage Ford restoration market (Year One Restoration vintage Ford specialty, NPD National Parts Depot Ford Specialty, OPG Original Parts Group, Auto Body Specialties for body panels). Sourced from 1979 LTD II 4-door donor with matching Brougham configuration. The Ford mid-size 1970s heritage and LTD naming evolution context was excellent.
Hildegard Hartmann-Schweighofer –
Bought rear door regulator for my 1977 Ford LTD II Station Wagon (first year LTD II production 1977 with Torino-derived mid-size platform 3-year brief production 1977-1979, 302 V8 Windsor 5.0L ~135 HP the famous Ford small block V8 used across Ford lineup 1970s-1990s including Mustang/Fairmont/F-Series/Bronco, FMX 3-speed automatic transmission mid-size Ford V8 variant, RWD configuration, station wagon body style for family hauler use with increased cargo capacity, base trim level with manual crank windows my vehicle has). Original driver side rear regulator had broken internal lift cable causing window to fall down and not lift – classic cable regulator failure. Vaz patiently explained the Ford LTD II heritage (3-year brief mid-size production 1977-1979 filling gap between Ford Torino discontinuation 1976 and full-size LTD downsizing 1979, body-on-frame mid-size architecture typical 1970s pre-downsizing era), 302 V8 Windsor heritage (5.0L famous Ford small block V8 used across Ford lineup, the 302 engine made at Windsor Ontario plant hence ‘Windsor’ designation), LTD naming evolution complex history (original LTD full-size 1965-1978 Galaxie variant then standalone, my era LTD II brief mid-size 1977-1979, post-downsizing mid-size LTD 1979-1986, LTD Crown Victoria full-size continuation 1980-1991, Crown Victoria standalone 1992-2011 famous police car), 1970s American mid-size context (CAFE fuel economy standards from 1975 pushing downsizing, Ford restructuring 1979 absorbing LTD II), Mercury Cougar XR-7 sister vehicle context same Torino-derived platform 1977-1979, station wagon body style heritage (1970s American family hauler era preceding minivan revolution of 1984 with Caravan/Voyager documented Batch 55 vaz510 reference), window regulator function (mechanism inside door raising/lowering window glass via sector gear or cable drive mechanism in 1970s era with my manual crank variant requiring user hand operation), common failure modes (my broken cable as common cable regulator failure plus worn sector gear teeth and electric motor failure for power windows and broken plastic guides and corroded mechanism from decades of use especially salt-belt areas), and vintage Ford restoration market knowledge. Sourced from 1978 LTD II station wagon donor with matching base trim configuration. One star off because cable regulator inspection across multiple donor candidates took time to find one with intact cable system. But the LTD II heritage and vintage Ford restoration context was excellent.