One problem related to hatchback/liftgate hinge has been reported for the 1997 Ford Expedition. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1997 Ford Expedition - the hinges on rear glass liftgate broke / fractured causing rear window glass to disconnect from the vehicles and crash to the ground and shatter. This sounds very similar to the recall already in effect for 2002 Ford explorers NHTSA campaign #04v442000.