Drop Down Tailgate for TJ?

Squatch

Squatch

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I'm curious to know a couple of things, here. First, I'd just like to know what folks think of this particular product:

https://www.rokmen.com/drop-down-aluminum-tailgate-w-storage-compartment.html#

While I think it's rather boring to look at, I really like the drop-down tailgate. Having the storage in it makes it all the better. Opinions on this?
The second question is regarding the spare tire carrier in picture #6 (of 10). Any ideas on who makes a carrier that appears to mount to hinges in the factory location? Almost looks like factory hinge bases, to me. Might be a home-built unit, but if it is, it's nice. Information on that unit?
 
I bet anything stored in that makes a helluva noise over bumps.
I bet that’d be cool if you wanted to turn your Jeep into a 3rd grade metal lunchbox.
I bet that’d be cool if I took a superiorly designed, highly capable, four wheel drive vehicle into the deep bush for some brunch and needed a table.

Kidding Squatch! It looks pretty utility to me, but if you like function over form it looks like a good option!
 
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Squatch said:
I'm curious to know a couple of things, here. First, I'd just like to know what folks think of this particular product:

https://www.rokmen.com/drop-down-aluminum-tailgate-w-storage-compartment.html#

While I think it's rather boring to look at, I really like the drop-down tailgate. Having the storage in it makes it all the better. Opinions on this?
The second question is regarding the spare tire carrier in picture #6 (of 10). Any ideas on who makes a carrier that appears to mount to hinges in the factory location? Almost looks like factory hinge bases, to me. Might be a home-built unit, but if it is, it's nice. Information on that unit?
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I’m actually about to buy mine. I’ve been in contact with swag offroad. I really like the idea of keeping my stock lock so that’s my reasoning.

Both Exogate and Orfab mount to the factory hinge location. I’m running nearly exactly whats in figure 6.
 
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Squatch said:
I'm curious to know a couple of things, here. First, I'd just like to know what folks think of this particular product:

https://www.rokmen.com/drop-down-aluminum-tailgate-w-storage-compartment.html#

While I think it's rather boring to look at, I really like the drop-down tailgate. Having the storage in it makes it all the better. Opinions on this?
The second question is regarding the spare tire carrier in picture #6 (of 10). Any ideas on who makes a carrier that appears to mount to hinges in the factory location? Almost looks like factory hinge bases, to me. Might be a home-built unit, but if it is, it's nice. Information on that unit?
Click to expand...
I like the drop down tailgates. Since you like the storage, id say go for it. I have yet to see a storage solution better than that. You could scratch the storage addition and go with a CJ tailgate as another option. Doing so will give it that classic Jeep look that looks awesome.
But that really is one of the better storage solutions I have seen for our TJ’s/LJ’s.
 
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jchadscud said:
I bet anything stored in that makes a helluva noise over bumps.
I bet that’d be cool if you wanted to turn your Jeep into a 3rd grade metal lunchbox.
I bet that’d be cool if I took a superiorly designed, highly capable, four wheel drive vehicle into the deep bush for some brunch and needed a table.

Kidding Squatch! It looks pretty utility to me, but if you like function over form it looks like a good option!
Click to expand...
Dude!!! LOL Those last two are killing me! Funny stuff! As for the first one, yeah...I was thinking things would need to be wrapped. Or maybe install some of that "pick and pluck" foam like they use in gun cases. I think that'd work. *(Still chuckling from the last two comments...) :p
 
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JamesAndTheSahara said:
I’m actually about to buy mine. I’ve been in contact with swag offroad. I really like the idea of keeping my stock lock so that’s my reasoning.

Both Exogate and Orfab mount to the factory hinge location. I’m running nearly exactly whats in figure 6.
Click to expand...
For some strange reason, I somehow suspected you'd be the one who'd be eyeballing that tailgate, James. I wonder what in the world would make me think something like that...? ;) So, is Swag Offroad offering the same product, or something similar, yet different?
 
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Squatch said:
For some strange reason, I somehow suspected you'd be the one who'd be eyeballing that tailgate, James. I wonder what in the world would make me think something like that...? ;) So, is Swag Offroad offering the same product, or something similar, yet different?
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Swag offroad offers a kit that converts your existing tailgate into a drop down tailgate. You retain the stock latch and lock, so your main key still locks the trunk. I really like this because with other drop down tailgates, you can’t use a hardtop. I will report back when I buy the kit to let you guys know how I like :).
 
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Kiwi TJ said:
I've always liked the drop down tail gate and have seen the CJ version and it definitely looks more 'factory' if you know what I mean.
Click to expand...

Guess I'm gonna have to look into that CJ version. I'll bet that does look cool. Wouldn't do anything for storage, but I'd bet it's a helluva lot cheaper!
 
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JamesAndTheSahara said:
Swag offroad offers a kit that converts your existing tailgate into a drop down tailgate. You retain the stock latch and lock, so your main key still locks the trunk. I really like this because with other drop down tailgates, you can’t use a hardtop. I will report back when I buy the kit to let you guys know how I like :).
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Pictures 6, 8 and 10 all show it being used with a hardtop, so that doesn't appear to be a concern with this one.
 
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Jeep changed from a drop down tailgate to the swing out for the reason I'd never install that conversion. It's just so much harder to reach inside to get what you need with a drop down. It looks cool but it's just not as functional as the swing out which makes getting into the back a lot easier. I wanted to do that myself until I wheeled all day with a guy who had installed one. He told me it looks cool but he wished he hadn't done it, said it was a PITA overall and I saw why. Just an opinion. :)
 
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Jerry Bransford said:
Jeep changed from a drop down tailgate to the swing out for the reason I'd never install that conversion. It's just so much harder to reach inside to get what you need with a drop down. It looks cool but it's just not as functional as the swing out which makes getting into the back a lot easier. I wanted to do that myself until I wheeled all day with a guy who had installed one. He told me it looks cool but he wished he hadn't done it, said it was a PITA overall and I saw why. Just an opinion. :)
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I had actually considered that, as I'm already vertically challenged. On my pick-up, the tailgate can be used as an extension of the bed for hauling. In a TJ, what the hell am I gonna haul? (Though someone...@StG58, maybe...said a washing machine fits nicely in there!) The storage thing I do find appealing, though I suspect there are ways to build something similar that'll attach to the stock tailgate. Hmmm... Thanks for the input, @Jerry Bransford.
 
Jerry Bransford said:
Jeep changed from a drop down tailgate to the swing out for the reason I'd never install that conversion. It's just so much harder to reach inside to get what you need with a drop down. It looks cool but it's just not as functional as the swing out which makes getting into the back a lot easier. I wanted to do that myself until I wheeled all day with a guy who had installed one. He told me it looks cool but he wished he hadn't done it, said it was a PITA overall and I saw why. Just an opinion. :)
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That’s just one con though ;). A proper workstation on the trail, the ability to not be hit in the back by the tailgate on a slope, a tailgating seat? Gotta show both sides :D.
 
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Jerry brings up a very good point. I think this is one of those things that looks cool, sounds good on paper, but once you actually live with it, you end up realizing why Jeep went with a swing open tailgate instead.
 
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Six of one and half dozen of the other really ..... depends on what your using your TJ for depends how your gonna build your TJ. I'm a great believer in building your Jeep for your needs.
But this is why I love this forum as you get both pros and cons in anything you ask for.
 
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1972-AMC-Full-Line-20-21.jpg?zoom=5.jpg


For those of you old enough to remember the 2-way tailgate in wagons...
Imagine our TJs having that same option. Suh-weet!​
 
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Squatch said:
View attachment 31469

For those of you old enough to remember the 2-way tailgate in wagons...
Imagine our TJs having that same option. Suh-weet!​
Click to expand...
That's some mean engineering right there then...those tailgates arent light
 
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