ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Bobthebiker on February 11, 2010, 11:26:17 PM
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it just occured to me that the samurai tailgate hinges out to the side, which for me is a bit of an inconvenient thing in its design. wouldnt it have made more sense to set the tailgate up so that it swings down like a pickup truck tailgate instead?
if I can work out how to do it, I fully plan to convert the hinge location to the bottom of the gate so it drops down instead, since to me that just seems LOGICAL, but thats a project for when I know how to freakin weld and not simply burn holes in metal.
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its setup like that because it has the spare tire mount connected to it. if it were to hinge down the spare would have to be relocated as it would interfier with the bumper and make it a heavy tailgate to lift back up.
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The Sami tailgate is a very light construction. If it swung down, it would have to be beefed up to be able to take a considerable load without bending from someone sitting or climbing on it.
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WHY does it matter if it swings sideways or down? ???
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Its just something I'd prefer over swinging to the side. Not exactly sure why, but thats just how I am. maybe I"ll mess with it if I get another more beat up sammy to mess with.
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Someone was making brackets for this a few years back, you might find some pics if you search back.
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AkDale, on Pirate, makes drop-down tailgate kits for the Samurai. It's a sometime thing for him, so you gotta catch him when he's making another batch.
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we've changed a few and you'll need to find a location for your spare tire. The tailgate is very light and I've seen more than one get ripped off from big tires. I've done some using full length piano hinges and some using the original samurai hinges moved to the bottom.
My LJ has a flip down tailgate and the spare is on an arm that swings away to open the gate. Works great until you put a big tire on the little bar.
Build a nice rear bumper and add a swing away tire carrier and then add the lower hinges. THe flip down gate on the LJ is nice. I use it as a step when I want to take off my hard top. I unbolt the top and get in the LJ and push it up with my back and walk the top down off the LJ.