Will an 06 rear gate fit 02-05 explorer?

[JCR]

I have a 2002 Explorer with the cracked rear panel like many on here. My question is will the re-designed rear gate from a 2006 or newer Explorer fit my 2002 Explorer? The hinges are the same and the dimensions look the same. If I can find one with a gray inside panel I am seriously thinking about just swapping out the entire rear door and having it painted. What do you guys think?

 

[zerodevil]

mechanicaly yes, but you will likely have to do some custom wiring to get all of the electronics to work. Let us know.

 

[JCR]

I'm thinking the wiring can not be that big a deal. The only thing electrical is the wiper motor, the rear defroster and the power release for the glass and the door. If I decide to do it I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

 

[Black92LX]

Check the wiring diagrams in a Chilton's and Haynes Manual they should not be all that different.