Liftgate fitment question for you Explorer Gurus

[gaspar17]

I have a 2003 Explorer Sport XLT that i need to replace the liftgate on. I am searching salvage yards for a replacement but am not sure exactly what I am able to replace it with. I found one the same color from a 2002 XLT that is in good shape, but it seems to be slightly different. The 02 Xlt is a 4 door model, and has a remote opened rear window, which my Sport XLT does not. Would this liftgate fit mine, and would the connections be the same? Thanks

 

[Number4]

You mention the '02 as a four door, I assume this to mean that your '03 is a two door. If this is the case, I don't believe the rear hatch will swap at all.

 

[drdoom]

No, won't fit.

 

[gaspar17]

Thank you guys. As stated in original post I have an 03 sport xlt, which is a two door. So when looking for a swap out, will I need to get an exact model fit? I was led to believe that 02-10 parts are pretty much interchangeable.

 

[Number4]

02-05 four door is interchangeable.
06-10 fits the 02-05 four door usually with some modification.

Yours has a range up to '03 two door back into the late 90's. Not sure of when though...'98?

 

[rewind1]

I think all of the info is here already but here's another way to put it...

The '01 - 03' Explorer Sport is bascially a front-end facelift on the already facelifted 2nd gen. I think anything from a 98-01 Explorer (4 door) or Mountaineer will fit.
Earlier years may fit as well from what I understand but body style wont match.

Only part I'm not sure about is the sport taillights. From what I can tell the taillight shape is the same on the inside(near the door, where it matters) and only different on the outside to just match the body lines.

 

[swshawaii]

May not the easiest way to check fitment, but I've always tried matching
COMPLETE Ford part numbers from other models and years. (2L2Z9840010AA)

http://parts.autonationfordwhitebea...rim/4-0l-v6-gas-engine/body-cat/liftgate-scat

 

[TechGuru]

02-05 four door is interchangeable.
06-10 fits the 02-05 four door usually with some modification.

Any further info on this anywhere? I'd love to put a 06-10 rear door on my 03.

 

[Number4]

I keep meaning to get one from the wrecking yard. But without struts, those damn doors are too heavy for one person to manage...safely.

Actually, I could probably use one of their engine removal dingy's to support it.

 

[TechGuru]

I keep meaning to get one from the wrecking yard. But without struts, those damn doors are too heavy for one person to manage...safely.

Actually, I could probably use one of their engine removal dingy's to support it.

If it were plug and play I'd say drive there without a rear door and install it there. lol

 

[gaspar17]

Thanks for the replies. Should make it a bit easier to find now.