Fold down tailgate questions (TJ)

[alpineovernappa]

Has anybody converted their tailgate to fold down instead of swing open? There are a few companies on the market that make kits, but I'm interested in whether anybody has real world experience with them. Would be nice to use the LJ as a small pickup truck from time to time. Thanks

SWAG Jeep Wrangler Aluminum Drop Down Tailgate Conversion Kit

Jeep Wrangler Aluminum Drop Down Tailgate Conversion Kit The only kit out there in the market that converts your factory swing out tailgate into a drop down tailgate. This robust drop down tailgate conversion kit is designed to easily hold over 400 lbs. This kit is compatible with your factory...

www.swagoffroad.com

 

[zuke]

Has anybody converted their tailgate to fold down instead of swing open? There are a few companies on the market that make kits, but I'm interested in whether anybody has real world experience with them. Would be nice to use the LJ as a small pickup truck from time to time. Thanks

SWAG Jeep Wrangler Aluminum Drop Down Tailgate Conversion Kit

Jeep Wrangler Aluminum Drop Down Tailgate Conversion Kit The only kit out there in the market that converts your factory swing out tailgate into a drop down tailgate. This robust drop down tailgate conversion kit is designed to easily hold over 400 lbs. This kit is compatible with your factory...

www.swagoffroad.com

No experience here, but I'd take a couple things into consideration, First being reutation of the companies you look at making the table, A company that makes good fenders or tire carriers probably make pretty good fold down tailgates too.

Second is Aluminum VS Steel... I know the community in general likes everything in aluminum, but for something that attaches to Steel panels with Steel Fastener, and isn't adding very much weight anyway, I prefer a powder coated steel, to avoid galvanic corrosion.

 

[alpineovernappa]

No experience here, but I'd take a couple things into consideration, First being reutation of the companies you look at making the table, A company that makes good fenders or tire carriers probably make pretty good fold down tailgates too.

Second is Aluminum VS Steel... I know the community in general likes everything in aluminum, but for something that attaches to Steel panels with Steel Fastener, and isn't adding very much weight anyway, I prefer a powder coated steel, to avoid galvanic corrosion.

I'm looking at the style that retains the factory steel tailgate- basically just adding support brackets and cables. I'd paint everything body color and agree with sticking to steel on steel. Haven't seen one in person and would like feedback on function and fitment before drilling into my tub

 

[majestek12]

Not sure what aspects of pickup truck you're looking to gain, but while drop downs are definitely cool and give a legacy nod to CJs, you will likely get more for your money by getting a tailgate table. I don't have personal experience but have seen a few TJs with these.

If by pickup you mean carrying longer-than-compartment materials, you'll fall short unless you don't have a spare/tire carrier bumper. If you do, swing-out has to be swung-in to drive very far.

If you're looking for tailgating, I'd consider the usable dimensions it will give you and whether or not they'll be useful. The width is already limited by the body dimensions, and you have the latch-bump on the driver side which leaves little room for more than one pair of buttcheeks. Honestly, you get a larger squab by sitting in the rear cargo area. If you're looking for table purposes, then a drop-down table will give you just as much utility for about 1/3 the price and effort.

 

[Gr8Dain]

As a CJ mini truck owner (CJ8 Scrambler), I love my drop down tailgate. But I use my bed as a truck bed and have the half cab set up. I think if I had a full top, I would rather have the swing out door like I had on my YJ. I remember having a full top on my Scrambler and having to swing the tire out, THEN drop the tailgate. And it got me nothing more than an extra couple of feet to reach over to get my stuff. But as a half cab set up, that is not an issue as I will just reach over the walls of the tub. And to be honest, I hardly ever drop the tailgate unless I am putting wheels/tires in the bed and don’t want to lift that high. Just my 2 cents. Don’t get me wrong, I love the look.