So I have a little project I'm working on which turns a factory Explorer lift gate into a tailgte/liftgate combo. another words I'm cutting the gate in half
Anywho... so DB_1 donated is old tailgate off his '97 Ranger with all the hardware (Thanks Dave
)
...and Fat Cat has donated a spare liftgate off his '99 Explorer. (Thanks Chris) that I'm still waiting do get my hands on.. (still needs to be picked up in SD )
So here is a interesting fact...
Ranger Gate 54" wide
Explorer Gate 54 3/8" wide
I belive the extra 3/8" is the bow in the 98-01 gates.
So here is the plan..
I will use the mounting hardware only( hinge) from the Ranger gate. I will also most likly use the limit cables. I plan to still use the factory Explorer latch. this will allow me to use it just like a tailgate with the handle.
Where to cut...ahhh this is the question. I'm still looking into this as the top will still work as a lift gate like on a camper shell. The trick is getting it to seal and lock with out adding to whats there. I'm looking at tring to still use the latch for the glass, and pop the top that way...but not sure if I can make it work.
Using tbars truck as a Exsample (Thanks Ted) I would probally cut on the red line. Sealing the rear glass some how and using everything as is to speak. A 1st and 2nd gen would work the same. Maybe using a piece of plexyglass instead would work better, but the curve of the glass could be a issue.
Anywho... so DB_1 donated is old tailgate off his '97 Ranger with all the hardware (Thanks Dave
)...and Fat Cat has donated a spare liftgate off his '99 Explorer. (Thanks Chris
) that I'm still waiting do get my hands on.. (still needs to be picked up in SD )So here is a interesting fact...
Ranger Gate 54" wide
Explorer Gate 54 3/8" wide
I belive the extra 3/8" is the bow in the 98-01 gates.
So here is the plan..
I will use the mounting hardware only( hinge) from the Ranger gate. I will also most likly use the limit cables. I plan to still use the factory Explorer latch. this will allow me to use it just like a tailgate with the handle.
Where to cut...ahhh this is the question. I'm still looking into this as the top will still work as a lift gate like on a camper shell. The trick is getting it to seal and lock with out adding to whats there. I'm looking at tring to still use the latch for the glass, and pop the top that way...but not sure if I can make it work.
Using tbars truck as a Exsample (Thanks Ted
) I would probally cut on the red line. Sealing the rear glass some how and using everything as is to speak. A 1st and 2nd gen would work the same. Maybe using a piece of plexyglass instead would work better, but the curve of the glass could be a issue.
