Door light solution for rear gate (1 Viewer)

[kilmarkid]

Guys, regarding door lights and a open tailgate, here is my solution. Get a small accessory biner and push it into the upper latch. Clicks right in and you can use it to hang stuff. I throw a candle lantern up there for some light and as a reminder to remove before closing. Just open the handle and it pops right out.

 

[SIZZLE]

I have a large carabiner clipped onto the handle on the interior door panel. Same idea, but you can leave it there without risk of crunching metal sounds--which i'm always at risk of!

 

[kilmarkid]

Yea but my small biner turns off the door lights. That is my primary reason.

 

[blkprj80]

Nice! I use a screwdriver to trip the latch closed and turn off the lights. I always close the hatch gently but I have forgot to release it a few times. Heck, just a streamer on the 'biner would be enough to remind me.
Great idea, and thanks for sharing it!

 

[thatcabledude]

Cool idea. Your struts are strong or you have a broom handle hidden out of frame. HAHA!

 

[kilmarkid]

The rear hatch struts are strong. Can't say the same about the hood. My skull has gotten to know the hood well.

 

[Offroads4x4]

The rear hatch struts are strong. Can't say the same about the hood. My skull has gotten to know the hood well.

Check McMaster Carr back hatch struts: 4138T579 Gas Spring with Ball-Joint End Fitting, 90 lb Force, 19.72" Extended Length, 7.87" Stroke 2@14.47 - 28.94

With the hood struts you need to drill a hole for the fender bracket to move the lock position 1/2" if I recall. There is a few threads on this with photos and instructions.
front hood struts: 4138T569 Gas Spring with Ball-Joint End Fitting, 90 lb Force, 17.13" Extended Length, 6.3" Stroke 2@14.47 - 28.94 thin profile 5/16"-18 hex nuts: 90257A045 Type 316 Stainless Steel Machine Screw Hex Nut, 5/16"-18 Thread Size, 9/16" Width, 7/32" Height, packs of 10 1pack@4.99 - 4.99 Total Merchandise $62.87 Applicable shipping charges will be added. McMaster-Carr Supply Company Just a thought

 

[mlv289]

I can't imagine that beast of a hood hitting my head. Got the 60 prop in it as soon as I bought the 80. And thanks for the carabiner idea, digging out some old ones now!

 

[oilbrnr]

Great idea! I've got some of those utility B's out in the shop somewhere. FWIW, I replaced the hood struts with some from Rockauto not too long ago, like $19 ea. So far, perfect.

 

[Dazrin]

I was able to find bolt-on hood struts relatively cheap, it was the rear hatch struts that would cost an arm or leg. I ended up taking a piece of 1/2" PVC pipe and cutting a slot in it to use for the rear until I want to mess with non-bolt-on replacements.

 

[Timpanogos Slim]

Check McMaster Carr back hatch struts: 4138T579 Gas Spring with Ball-Joint End Fitting, 90 lb Force, 19.72" Extended Length, 7.87" Stroke 2@14.47 - 28.94

With the hood struts you need to drill a hole for the fender bracket to move the lock position 1/2" if I recall. There is a few threads on this with photos and instructions.
front hood struts: 4138T569 Gas Spring with Ball-Joint End Fitting, 90 lb Force, 17.13" Extended Length, 6.3" Stroke 2@14.47 - 28.94 thin profile 5/16"-18 hex nuts: 90257A045 Type 316 Stainless Steel Machine Screw Hex Nut, 5/16"-18 Thread Size, 9/16" Width, 7/32" Height, packs of 10 1pack@4.99 - 4.99 Total Merchandise $62.87 Applicable shipping charges will be added. McMaster-Carr Supply Company Just a thought

Word. The McMaster struts took me maybe an hour to install on the lift gate, and now i couldn't hit my head on the lift gate if i wanted to.

 

[kilmarkid]

Bump for pics

 

[Desert Dino]

my lights at night

during day

gets its power from dual battery system with kill switch to cut all consumers at storage back switch panel with automatic Fuze, Volt meter usb poet and lighter port

the dual system has 3 positions auto, disconnect, connect for winching and engine start up when main buttery is empty