How to chop the back of your XJ....
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 0
From: North Pole Alaska
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4 liter
The hinges are really what I am not sure about I would like something like a pickup so I can also remove it. not sure where to attach the supporting straps either but I am sure that can be simply solved. I did like his use of foam for reinforcement and I ill probably use diamond plating as the finished surface which should help as well. but it really needs to be strong cus I am sure people will sit on it which adds to the stress on it obviously.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
the hinge becomes an issue because of the lip on the xj hatch that makes the seal
to get around that you would either have to cut the lip away leaving the gate with no seal or you have to get it to pull away before swinging down spacing the lip away from the body using a hinge and pin system on both sides
that way it hinges away from the body then rotates downward on the pin
as i said before the supporting straps can be mounted to the D pillar if you reinforce the D pillar alittle then cut your interior panel so itll fit around the straps mounting tab
to get around that you would either have to cut the lip away leaving the gate with no seal or you have to get it to pull away before swinging down spacing the lip away from the body using a hinge and pin system on both sides
that way it hinges away from the body then rotates downward on the pin
as i said before the supporting straps can be mounted to the D pillar if you reinforce the D pillar alittle then cut your interior panel so itll fit around the straps mounting tab
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
Year: 1992
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0
I built this one several years ago, to close off the cab, I used a YJ rear soft window and button snaps......worked great!
Sold it prior to lifting, the XJ had electrical issues.......if I find more pic's, I'll post............The LOOOOOSER new owner ran around claiming he did all the work, must'a liked the fabrication.
Sold it prior to lifting, the XJ had electrical issues.......if I find more pic's, I'll post............The LOOOOOSER new owner ran around claiming he did all the work, must'a liked the fabrication.
This is what I wanna do to my xj but bring the bars straight back, instead of that angle. And get a soft top, so I can leave it open when its nice out.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO I6
Here's mine.....yes I know it all needs to be tied in...I'm gettin there lol
Rear hatch as tailgate til I finish the "bed", then build a small tailgate out of square tubing and sheet metal.
Rear hatch as tailgate til I finish the "bed", then build a small tailgate out of square tubing and sheet metal.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 2
From: Warrenton MO
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L I6
where are the rear seat belts attaching to when you chop it? im doing mine as soon as it gets nice out again. i have to be able to strap my kid down in the back...
