DOM roof rack/platform
#61
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#63
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Sherman, TX
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
May be a little late for this, but i know a company called HK Offroad is making something very similar for XJ's, basically just a hatch mounted tire carrier - might be worth checking it out... they're using gas struts, same as you, and mounting to hatch.
#64
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Oh right on. They're literately mounting a spare tire bracket to the hatch - so just using the stock lifts (or possibly stronger one). Mines a little different since it pivots off the rack. I'm trying to keep the hatch out of it all. I may base the lift stuff off the hatch, but it's going to operate differently. Currently working on mounting an independent lift strut for the ladder.
#65
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Location: Pasquotank, NC
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I looked at their setup. They replace the lifters on the hatch with much heavier ones. Check out their page for the WJ setup, there is detail there about it. Not a bad option, simplifies daily operation.
#66
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Oh right on. They did look a little beefier. Again, I would have to tie the ladder into the hatch at the bottom with a linkage. They're pivoting at two different locations up top. The way I have it setup, the hatch is left out of it completely. I realize it adds an extra step, but I just didn't want the movement that compressing the weather seal underneath the hatch would bring in.
#67
No, I don't lick fish.
Oh right on. They did look a little beefier. Again, I would have to tie the ladder into the hatch at the bottom with a linkage. They're pivoting at two different locations up top. The way I have it setup, the hatch is left out of it completely. I realize it adds an extra step, but I just didn't want the movement that compressing the weather seal underneath the hatch would bring in.
#68
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I've also looked at that setup myself. My thing is, aside from the fact that I have the fiberglass hatch, the mounting points for the struts on the body and hatch itself aren't really all that strong. They're fine for the factory hatch without anything on it, but while I like their design, I think it's really testing the limits of those mounting points.
#69
No, I don't lick fish.
Honestly, I've had ZERO issues with it other than the trim not staying on it... but that's due to the trim clips, not the hatch. I just know the limitations of fiberglass and the limitations of the factory strut mounts... upgrade the mounts and reinforce the hatch and it would probably be fine... but then you'd probably be in it for about as much as it's taken you to do what you've got going on there lol. Your setup would be stronger anyway, so why even tempt fate, ya know?
#71
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Thanks!
Made a quick video of it latching, but forgot to post it. Obviously before I painted it. Still working on my gas strut mounting.... I've got a plan
Ladder Latching
Made a quick video of it latching, but forgot to post it. Obviously before I painted it. Still working on my gas strut mounting.... I've got a plan
Ladder Latching
#75
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