Tailgate Swapability

[stumpjumper3]

Went to the junkyard today and saw two wags, one had a pignose and a 258 in it, the tailgate is in prestine condition and i was wondering if it could be swapped to my cherokee. They want 30 bucks for it, also have original mirrors for 10 apiece, and a dentless hood for 50.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Since you have a 78 it uses the old style latches. From the sounds of it you have found a 79, this was the change over year, so it may or may not have the same latches. I believe with some work you could fit your latches into it, other than that they are the same

[stumpjumper3]

are you talking about the hinges or the locking latches(i know its sounds stupid)

[Crazy_Jeepman]

are you talking about the hinges or the locking latches(i know its sounds stupid)

Locking Latches, your 78 will have round latches, 79 + will have a lever horseshoe looking latch

[skeletor]

your 78 should have latches on the body that looks like ears and your tailgate latches are posts. the PO of my cherokee put on a 88 wagoneer tailgate and never bothered about the latches. if you got the 79+ tailgate you could either cut off the ears and weld on the later style latch on the body or do what i did and unbolt the stock 79+ latches on the tailgate and drill some holes and put the old style post latch on. there was basically nothing to it. both tailgates use the same latch handle assemblies.

[stumpjumper3]

Thanks skeletor, just the kind of info i was looking for, looks like i'll be bringing home a new tailgate on monday. thanks again:thumbsup:

[Bill Moore]

same style latches as the doors, \i have a good 76 wag tailgate if anyone needs one.

[stumpjumper3]

So for my birthday my dad bought me the tailgate from the junkyard, we get it home and start to take it apart, and thats when we realize it is a manual tailgate, its in great condition.....except for where the handle goes, the spline s are completely rounded over and useless, how can i replace these, any body have a replacement part, ideas?
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd270/stumpjumper3/tailgatepics002.jpg (http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd270/stumpjumper3/tailgatepics002.jpg%5B/IMG%5D)
This is what holding me up.

[stumpjumper3]

I was wondering if i the electric motor in my current tailgate would have this splined apparatus, could it swap over and then i would just have to get the handle, im lost.:huh: