Anyone done a tailgate conversion, where it folds down versus swings?

[muddYJeep]

My friend and I thought about doing this with my YJ for a prject and to give it a "rear seat" when parked. What is involved, how hard is this? Thanks

[freeqgOd]

Swap a CJ one on there. This has been done a lot. Search a little. I know I have seen some looking on Google also. It is not a difficult swap.

[Karl]

I did this change when I swapped my CJ tub for a YJ tub. It's not difficult but you will do some things that are not easily undone.

1. Get a CJ tailgate, tailgate cables, and tailgate hinges.
2. Either cut the inside latch brackets out of a CJ or try to use a set of brackets made for a CJ glass tub.
3. Remove the YJ tailgate.
4. Set the CJ tailgate into the opening and mark where the lower hinge holes have to be.
5. You now have to open the sealed metal tube under the tailgate opening to be able to install either the stock CJ drilled steel block or nuts and washers to hold the lower hinges in place. I cut the bottom of the tube and used the CJ plates. Some people were able to fish the plates/nuts in from the sides. If you cut into the box you can leave it open and paint the cutouts or reseal the area and weld/JBWeld the seams.
6. Drill the holes for the hinge bolts and bolt in place.
7. Mount the CJ tailgate latches onto the inner fenderwells. I had enough material to bolt my old CJ latches but some people weld them onto the fenderwells.
8. Mount the restraining cables to the tailgate and the latches and you are good to go.

If you convert to a CJ tailgate, you will have to have a solution for mounting your spare. The stock CJ spare tire carrier will bolt onto the YJ tub if you drill a couple of holes. You would have to modify the tire mount to fit YJ 4 1/2" wheels to the CJ 5" bolt pattern.

Good luck.

[YJ4LIFE]

move hinges, add straps. done.

http://newjeep.myjeepsite.com/albums/Jeep/102_6861.sized.jpg

[Brock]

Here's is one that was on JF not too long ago. CJ-7 tailgate install (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100305) :tipglug:

[dixiemudder323]

hey YJ4LIFE do you have anymore pics of that jeep? im looking to do something close to that on my rear panels with the LEDs