2001 Expo Sport 2dr Tailgate Replacement

[ExpoinLA]

Need to eventually replace my tailgate.. do I need to find an exact 01 (or what other MY?) to replace?

Can I "upgrade" to the 02 with the wiper in window? same harness or do I need to find an 01?

There is a big dent from the PO, and the entire rear wiper assembly is jacked so can't use the wiper..

Want to use car-parts.com to find one over time but need to know if I need an 01 or can find a different MY?

 

[J_C]

I don't think an '02 will fit. As far as I know you can only use a '98 thru '01 but wait for other people to chime in.

Not sure that you'd want a 3rd gen ('02) gate anyway because they have plastic prone to crack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtHNOwms56c

I never use my rear wiper so personally wouldn't bother with much worrying about it. If it didn't have a wiper at all it would be one less thing to wash around, but it's still easier to leave it on than take it off and plug the hole where it was. I'm a fan of doing a repair right, bringing a vehicle back to full stock working order when newer, but not so much at the 15+ year old point where it doesn't affect resale value.

 

[ExpoinLA]

I don't think an '02 will fit. As far as I know you can only use a '98 thru '01 but wait for other people to chime in.

Not sure that you'd want a 3rd gen ('02) gate anyway because they have plastic prone to crack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtHNOwms56c

I never use my rear wiper so personally wouldn't bother with much worrying about it. If it didn't have a wiper at all it would be one less thing to wash around, but it's still easier to leave it on than take it off and plug the hole where it was. I'm a fan of doing a repair right, bringing a vehicle back to full stock working order when newer, but not so much at the 15+ year old point where it doesn't affect resale value.

No, thats the later one.. some 02 Sports have the wiper in the window versus in the sheet metal.. that looks like the only difference, but wiring could be different.. I'm strictly talking about the 01/02 changes..

 

[429CJ-3X2]

'01-03 2 door Sports are the same. Not sure if earlier years fit, but the '01-03 2 doors are based on the earlier platform. The '02 and later 4 door Explorers are a whole different design, and those are what have the plastic that cracks.

 

[ExpoinLA]

'01-03 2 door Sports are the same.

I just said like twice... some have wipers in the windshield glass, some are on the metal with the hook.. they are not the same..

I'm trying to find a white one, and the newer one looks cleaner IMO, want to know if I need the one with the same rear wiper or can get the newer model with the wiper in the glass....