im interested in possibly putting hinges or something on the side of my tailgate ( hidden on the inside ) to open my tailgate like a jeep.
i have a 1997 dodge ram 1500 sport
does anyone know if there is some kind of a kit to do this ??
or does anyone have any ideas on how to do this ?

thanks everyone

 

Sounds like a good idea, but wouldn't the tail gate be too heavy and cause clearance issues when opening in a tight spot?

 

Won't be so heavy if you cut it in the middle and open from the center.

 

i would like to do this but im not sure how to get a hinge to work. the tail gate needs to open and swing out to clear the lights when it opens. so unless you did an external hinge idk how that would work...

 

best not to over-engineer things, IMO. In 3 months, it could be a sagging, no latching or unlatching PITA.

 

the external hinge is a good idea but id prefer them hidden. and thats a good point aboutthe sagging. now im wondering if it is a good idea

 

It really ain't a good idea. The tail gate is essential in bed strength from side to side at the rear.

 

Uh -- it is?

 

If you are so inclined to do this I would start by finding an old station wagon with a swinging rear gate or fold down gate (some had both ) you might be able to use most of the hinge parts and latches. As for structure strength it should be fine when its closed no diff from what you have know. Something tells me there where kits to do this but that was back in the late 80s, pick up a street trucking mag and see what it has for kits.

 

I've seen this done before, I have been looking for kits for the last 30 min or so and have not seen one. I agree though, pick up a street truck magazine or troll those forums and see what you come up with I would troll them myself but I don't feel like getting banned from another forum site for having to much fun.