XJ drop down fold out tailgate behind (or in front of) the liftgate

[blackandtandisco]

I decided to build a tailgate for my cherokee. I wanted to build something that would fold down after the lift gate is opened. The liftgate is handy in the rain. I didnt want to hack up the interior and wanted sonething that would be out of the way when not needed and easily removable.
Mock up with my 416 tailgate



I started with beefing up the sides behind the plastic.


When i was trying to figure out the hinges i was considering re-using old liftgate hinges, or welding barrel type hinges to the floor or regular door hinges from home depot. Then i came across these, replacement hinges for a pickup. Duh, why reinvent the hinge.


Today I built the tailgate. I still have to grind it down a little and skin it.

Folded the other way also doubles as a shelf with a few inches of storage below

 

[draganof]

I think you just started something......awesome. So many possibilities....good job!

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Why the tailgate, it seems it will defeat the purpose when it takes up so much room when folded in?

 

[deniz merdano]

Very very good!
I have been working on a similar setup to use as a table and lockable facade for the storage system on my XJ.

 

[jatittude007]

That is a great idea!! :clapsmile

 

[Chi-Town]

If you latched it at 90 deg. (straight up) and then coupled it with a set of drawers and a fridge slide that would slide over the top it would be a perfectly usable space. It wouldn't eat up your cargo area space and with a set of drop down legs would provide a great spot for food prep / eating.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Awesome... so many uses on the trail and at the campsite. Well done.

 

[blackandtandisco]

I am working on keeping it upright. Trying to keep it simple... I want to easily be able to fold it down when the tailgate is opened. I hadn't planned on folding it in on the floor when I was building it I just saw that and figured it may also be useful.
I welded 11 ga sheet metal today and have to work on cable supports this weekend.

 

[Chi-Town]

with the width have you thought about fold up legs that fold side to side for more weight capacity?

 

[pajeepman]

I like it!

 

[blackandtandisco]

I ended up using 16 ga, a 4x8 sheet was about $70. Its thicker than the sheetmetal used on body panels and won't dent too easily. I cut it to fit, welded it and ground most of the welds smooth.

 

[blackandtandisco]

I like the idea of having a tailgate so much i started to build one for the daily driver, a 2002 WJ. This proved to be much more difficult. There is no access to the inside of the quarter panels so i may have to use self tapping screws. I thought about making some hinges that bolt under the floor near the spare tire but it wasn't going well because the back end is curved. I was in a rush to get this done before this years outerbanks trip But i just need more time to work it out. This is the only pic i have of the WJ tailgate.

 

[reece146]

I think this is a neat idea because it spaces you far enough from the back of the Jeep to keep you from getting your clothes dirty unnecessarily or smashing your knees/thighs on the trailer hitch.

 

[blackandtandisco]

i'll get back to finishing both tailgates once we are back from vacation.
Not sure if this video will post or if its a link...

 

[AFSOC]

Is that is the E-Trade baby on vacation?