[Dravintoad]

Very nice. Thanks!

[19OlllllllO41]

Originally Posted by Steelman

How do you open the tailgate?

That is one of the disadvantages, but its worth it for the look... you must open the soft top window and turn the little silver locking mechanism open(see pic#3) to open it. Same as it was on CJ's. The only real problem that exists on a TJ is if you have a hard top, because the gate holds the hard top closed (must close window first, than the gate, so you would have to climb into the rear of your jeep from the front to lock the latch everytime), unlike on a CJ where the hardtop has a T handle closure like a pick-up truck topper cover on the outside to hold the window closed. (close gate first, then window)

[neZZr]

Originally Posted by ChadCielencki

make a latch, or get another paddle handle, latch and peg, and set up a double latch (mirrored) on the right side...

there's limitless possibilities...we're talking about JEEPS here.

Did you read my original idea? That's pretty much what I was talking about. I was just replying to ChadCielencki's idea of using the tailgate & latch as is.

However, I'd like to use two latches with just one release handle.

Originally Posted by neZZr

I've been contemplating how to do a fold-down tailgate on my TJ... but I want to find a way to set it up with stock style bearclaw latches hooked to a single handle outside... maybe even the stock handle.

[ChadCielencki]

Originally Posted by neZZr

However, I'd like to use two latches with just one release handle.

Take a truck tailgate handle and hardware, shorten it up and there ya go...
I think i have just solved life's greatest mystery...

[JeepRocks86]

I'm thinking about re using the factory TJ tailgate which would allow you to still lock it as well as use the factory latch to hold it up. Then on the Passenger side you would need a latch of some sort.

[djb_rh]

I had a hot-rod building buddy do this mod to my LJ. What he ended up doing was use two linear actuators to power the gate open and closed. They were mounted to the floor on each side just inside the wheel wells and to the top corners of the gate. We just hid a switch in the swing out tire carrier that had an "in" and "out" direction. He also reinforced the hinge mounting area (highly recommended as the TJ isn't really strong enough there, IMHO, for you to sit on it). It was sort of neat at first, but I quickly found it frustrating as it was slow to open and close. It also wasn't strong enough in its mounting on the gate side that I was comfortable sitting on it, which made getting to stuff in the rear hard since the Jeep was riding on 4.5" LA lift and 35's.

I've since removed that entire assembly and planned to offer it for sale, but it's honestly not worth doing using the actuators again. You really need to fab some latches of some kind, and I just didn't want any on the outside that were visible and my hot-rod guy didn't have time to fab something like bear-claws or whatever as that's a bit of work (it's not hard, it's just a good bit to do because there isn't much structure in there to attach to...you need to build all that out to do it right).

Anyway, I've got a CJ gate painted factory dark blue from an '05 LJ with hinges that I'd sell for $100 if anyone is interested (actuators not included).

I love the mod and would have simply re-done the actuator portion to be latches of some kind, but I decided to send the whole Jeep off and have AEV turn it into a Brute instead...


--Donnie

[moprr71]

I have a tj tailgate and the turn latch sux. There has to be a better way. the 1st person to design a practical latch and handle is going to be very popular.

[iismet]

I've actually gotten quite use to the interior latches. A little more trouble in summer with the tonneau but I've done it so many times now it is second nature. I really appreciate it's function on the trail.

[KennyTJ]

Do it for the COOL factor!!!!

4wd Hardware has new CJ steel replacement tailgates for $129. They also have the weatherstrip, hinges, latches, cables and hardware. I'd like to do this and use the TJ hinges to fab a swingout tire carrier? I'll have to put some thought into the design!

[jhoff]

get the lock, lever and cables off of a cj hard top. you may have to build a sheld for the cables on the inside of the gate. but i think it would work fine.