Drop down tailgate

[Larr75fj40]

Will a drop down tailgate fit on a 75 fj40?

I've been running a soft top for the last 4 months and really prefer it to the hard top even though my HT has the ambulance doors. I don't care for the aesthetics of the rear half panel that Best Top gives you to take place of the missing doors. I've seen some drop down tailgates here and I'm wondering if such a tailgate will fit on my 40.

 

[65swb45]

Yes.

This has probably been covered before, but I haven't personally seen it.

The dropgate was designed to close against a square cornered tub, not one notched for amby doors, as the 75 and newer are. Therefore, the sides of the dropgate will 'float on the latch hooks.

Best

Mark A.

 

[alkarich]

Yes there are some out there such as the one that Aqualu makes that has built in storage as well. Not inexpensive but very nice.

 

[Sputnik40]

If you've the extra money - this is one of a few new options that I think are floating around out there (can't vouch for quality or fit, but they look damn nice):

eBay Motors: Toyota LandCruiser Land Cruiser FJ40 DropDown Tail Gate (item 120137314307 end time Nov-20-08 10:54:05 PST)

Shameless plug - I still have one for sale that is generally clean but needs some repair along the inside bottom - but it has all latches and 2 1/2 of the hinges needed. $300 firm.

If you have the funds - you could piece the new stuff together.

Agree that the original looks better than the flat panel styles. You could also make a pretty decent replica using square tubing and sheetmetal - they don't look bad from a distance

 

[I Tried]

Is the swing away tire carrier different for the drop down and barn door cruisers or is it the same tire carrier for every gate?

Tim

 

[Dusty 66]

Is the swing away tire carrier different for the drop down and barn door cruisers or is it the same tire carrier for every gate?

Tim

No Differance for tail gates only by years 1959-71, 9/1971-12/74, 1/75-8/76, 8/76-1984

 

[Larr75fj40]

I have a complete tailgate that I bought for a $100 but haven't had the time to pick it up. I'm not sure what year it is but for the price I had nothing to lose. I'm not sure how much fab work I'll have to do to make it fit, I just hope the size of the gate is right on.

 

[Larr75fj40]

Yes.

This has probably been covered before, but I haven't personally seen it.

The dropgate was designed to close against a square cornered tub, not one notched for amby doors, as the 75 and newer are. Therefore, the sides of the dropgate will 'float on the latch hooks.

Best

Mark A.

Would some sort of weather seal fix that problem?

 

[pardion]

Yes, something that would fill a 1/2"x1/2" gap. HTH John

 

[pardion]

Is the swing away tire carrier different for the drop down and barn door cruisers or is it the same tire carrier for every gate?

Tim

The spare tire rack on early cruisers mounted on the right side of the cruiser has cut outs in it to clear the hinges on a tail gate model. On your 75 if it has a non tubular tire rack, you can grind away some metal so it does not interfere with the tailgate hinges. Also---early tailgates for FJ25's and FJ40's have a differant hinge location and the middle web is narrower than 66 or later f series. HTH--- John

 

[Dusty 66]

The spare tire rack on early cruisers mounted on the right side of the cruiser has cut outs in it to clear the hinges on a tail gate model. On your 75 if it has a non tubular tire rack, you can grind away some metal so it does not interfere with the tailgate hinges. Also---early tailgates for FJ25's and FJ40's have a differant hinge location and the middle web is narrower than 66 or later f series. HTH--- John

Learn something every day here on mud

 

[Larr75fj40]

The spare tire rack on early cruisers mounted on the right side of the cruiser has cut outs in it to clear the hinges on a tail gate model. On your 75 if it has a non tubular tire rack, you can grind away some metal so it does not interfere with the tailgate hinges. Also---early tailgates for FJ25's and FJ40's have a differant hinge location and the middle web is narrower than 66 or later f series. HTH--- John

I'm not too concerned about the tire carrier, the stock unit will eventually be replaced by a swing gate. But then again I might have different clearance issues once I drop the gate down. hmm I guess I do have reason for concern.

 

[Weedhopper]

I have an Aqualu drop down tailgate that I do not like. It came with the truck. The fit is horrible, it rattles, it fills with water when it rains so when I lower the gate water flows all over my feet . It's ugly diamond plate that does not match the truck. You will see it in the for sale section cheap when I redo the body next year.

 

[Copenhagen1]

Are you dead set on having it drop down? I have the same situation as you with ambulance doors. I like to run without the hardtop but I kind of hate the bed being open.

I like the look of this one because it looks more like a factory drop down tailgate, it is $200 cheaper than the one mentioned above, I don't have to find a set of the original tailgate hinges and I don't have to drill more holes in my rear sill.

eBay Motors: FJ40 - BOLT ON TAIL GATE (item 120147149261 end time Nov-21-08 20:21:12 PST)

This is probably the route I am going to take. I would love for the tailgate to be functional, but not at the expense listed above.

Copenhagen1