'84 - '88 airbox, typical broken latch, mystery solved?
 

I think I've found out why so many airboxes on the '84 thru '88 have broken latches. After examining mine I noticed the problem is actually the tabs that limit the amount of squeeze or compression travel, they're too long, especially on the back (non-visable)side. What happens is when the latches begin to compress the airbox halves together the tabs bottom-out, prematurely, then the latches continue to cam the halves together putting additional strain on the latch catch or lip beyond what is called for.
What needs to be done is some shortening or relieving of the limit tabs where this problem exists. Not much, mine only required about 1/16" to be removed. Now the halves come together slightly tighter on the air filter and the strain is removed from the latch catch, preserving my new $250 investment(airbox).