ntomsheck

Hey guys, I've been working out some solutions for holding the lift gate open, beyond what gas-charged struts can do. I'm sure all of us have hit our head on the lift gate for one reason or another. Many of us live in a colder climate and we all know gas-struts don't work as well in the winter. Along with this problem, I have the problem of friends resting their hands on it, and it closes under their weight, slamming on me in one way or another.

The mechanical prop would have to be minimally invasive, yet still reliable and functional. Due to the lack of rigidity in our liftgates, I don't believe a single sided prop will suffice. The liftgate would warp and put unnecessary stress on the hinges, struts, and glass. A center mounted prop-rod would just be in the way constantly.

I was thinking of two collapsible arms that mount on either side. They would be a similar design to what's on fold-up tables. This way, they rise, and are ready to support the hatch with minimal user involvement (outside of locking them in). The only issue then would be adapting a system that doesn't look ridiculous (i.e. unscrewing them from a table, then bolting it to our cherokee)

Anyone think this is a good idea? Or maybe some suggestions?

95Cherokee

Best thing to do is get new struts so you won't have to worry about constructing any redneck lookin supports.

98Plum Crazy

I agree, try to not over complicate something easily and somewhat cheaply fixed, not trying to discourage creativity, just don't see a way to prop the hatch with two objects while still being "minimally invasive."

cheapJeeper

x2...
Replace the struts.
Then you can use the old ones as hood openers/supports if you feel like fabbing something.
( I know there's a write-up on that here somewhere...do a search.)

whowey

I use a pair of vice grips on mine... cheaper than struts and I know that the Jeep will be long gone before they wear out.

ntomsheck

Haha well that would solve the cold-weather-drop problem, but I think it would be nice to have it supported solidly for leaning on. I assure you it could be made to not look redneck, if the correct angles were used.

I'll see if I can dummy something up in the next week or so, then I'll ask your guys opinion with pictures.

alpine.adrenaline

Get the motorized liftgate system off a Yukon or Grand Caravan and rig it in to your XJ. Up & down with a button. I'd be impressed if you could make it work. I think you can get different pressures on those struts though; a higher pressure would hold more weight.

djb383

U'll be surprised how well the lift gate is supported with NEW struts.....worth every penny, cheapest I found was at Amazon.com.

BLACKSPORT

haha yea i had to move out of the way when i replaced both struts bc it was that much better

zfranklin92

use a small pair of vise grips. open the gate all the way and grip the shaft. done.

gspaceunit

thats what she said....

capdaddy222

I have an idea. On my FJ cruiser the rear door has a gas filled shock that pushes the door open. At full open there is a little plastic "Jam" that you can engage that will lock the shock.

It is real easy to engage and disengage and holds the door firmly when locked.

I could take a pic if you needed to see more, but the shocks look about the same length and could probably be applied to the XJ.

capdaddy

djb383

Finance $2 grand on tires and wheels......then use vise grips to hold up the hatch.

whowey

If I have 2 grand in my XJ total... It would be just barely...

EMAXX620

+1 on new struts. I got some cheap on a local forum because a guy thought they were for a GC and couldnt use them. I have the complete opposite problem of the hatch falling on my head now, it comes up so fast that if you arent paying attention, it will knock you in the jaw... and im not joking about that either lol.

they were monroe lift struts, i cant recall what model of them, but the piston is black which i thought was cool :-p