Tailgate to liftgate conversion
 

Anyone ever converted their 4dr (2nd gen) Blazer/Jimmy from the tailgate/hatch to a one piece liftgate? I wish my '04 Blazer had the liftgate but don't have any idea what would be involved in the conversion. Obviously, a liftgate and new lower latch. Maybe some different interior trim in the back. Anyone?

BTW, I searched for "tailgate to liftgate conversion" and didn't come up with anything.

why do u want a lift gate?

I don't believe it can be done since the rear bracing and structure is different on the liftgate trucks. You'd need new side windows and the liftgate and the floor latch and trim at least. I thought I read the mounting points and hardware was totally different so it can't just be bolted on.

I think they are cleaner looking without losing any of the functionality. Also, 90% of the time I access things in the rear of the truck, I have to drop the tailgate anyway. Without the tailgate in the way, I can reach things towards the back seats easier.

Side windows should be the same on all 4drs. I wasn't aware the bracing and structure was different. I figured I'd need the liftgate, floor latch and trim and I assumed the mounting points would be different.

The windows are the same size but the rear corners are on the liftgate and not on the window on the liftgate models. Check this Craigslist picture of one. http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/pts/1440426320.html

Ah. I see that now. Looks like the end caps are what hides the struts. I never noticed that before. Looks like a much bigger job than I thought. Damn. Thanks for the reply, though.

I too have thought about doing the same thing. The thing to do is find someone that has a liftgate model and put them side by side and take notes on whats different. I think it could be done. More than likely the differences are going to be the bottom plate where it locks.

I looked at a 99 liftgate model, I liked the fact that you had an easier time loading things into it.

The whole back end of the truck is different. The roof connection is beefier and there is the recessed latch in the bottom. There are a lot of differences.

Thanks for the replies, guys. Looks like I won't be tackling this project. :)