If I were to remove the hatch on my cherokee, could I get a ticket? Is it illegal?

 

I would check your local laws, but I don't think it would be legal, as it presents a safety issue, both for you and for vehicles behind you.

 

Not sure what state you live in, but different states have different rules about that stuff. Some don't care and some want some kind or method for keeping cargo in the vehicle like a tailgate or bed nets etc etc. As far as taking it off of the jeep it could pose some hazards. The rear lift gate gives a fair amount of strength to the rear of xjs. Some type of bracing method would be a good idea if you plan on doing this to ensure the stability of your jeep.

 

2X.
Check with your locals

 

i havnt got pulled over yet

 

No way does my fiberglass lift gate provide any strength or support.

97 plus has a steel hatch which might do a little more, but before that they wouldnt help anything if they were hit at a decent speed.


I would say if youre gonna take it off throw a net there just for good measure.

 

as my picture obove shows ....ive done some trimage....an to be totaly honest unless u have a roll cage the out come of a crash will be the same wether doorless or with doors....chop or no chop.....or hatch or no hatch....the main beams of the pillars are just very thin sheat metal bent an folded over...i say do it .....while its off chop the top.....then remove the doors

 

I would much rather have the hatch there to help stop me or someone else from being flung out the back of the vehicle to my death in the event of a crash.

You're supposed to be wearing your seatbelt, yes...but not everyone uses common sense.

 

aaaaaaa. i can feel every stroke of the sawblade cutting through a mighty force....

 

ha ha wtf.....i got bored one day........bordem an power tools,never a good combo

 

The fumes will come back into the vehicle also.

 

no difeernce then convertables or wranglers no one has died from fumes in them?????

 

i know i Iowa it doesn't matter if u have doors or not a roof or not for all the cops care about here is that theres a floor a windshield and a seat belt other then that they could care less about the body.

 

Because they are not an inclosed area, convertables are completely open. The exhaust fumes will tend to collect inside the cockpit with the hatch removed and the windows up.

 

1) As said, check your local vehicle code. It should be posted online. That's a question that has variable answers from state-to-state. For instance, a number of states make it illegal for a pickup to drive about with the tailgate down, unless there is a load that requires that you do so (long lumber, perhaps.) Some states allow you to replace the tailgate with a cargo net. Some don't allow the tailgate to be down at all with the vehicle in motion.

2) The rear hatch functions as a "shear panel" to keep the shape of the rear unibody opening - if you're going to delete it, I highly recomment reinforcing that opening with a "halo bar" around the inner perimeter. Use good-quality steel structural tubing, and not poop pipe... The hatch isn't a strength member in se, but it works to enhance the strength of the rear body by keeping the members located.

3) The concerns for exhaust fumes are valid - re-routing your exhaust exit may be warranted (forward motion will create a low-pressure area in the cabin - you'll likely pick up more exhaust fumes when you're moving than when you're not!) I wouldn't want to drive without a liftgate, unless I had an open sunroof and open windows, with the vent fan on HIGH.