Hi,

I've noticed some pretty neat mod's on this forum, such as the removal of the 3rd row, lifted GX460s, 2014 conversions on a 2010 - 2013 MY, various electronic mods to the touchscreen, quad tailpipes, etc. However, do you know if there's currently a rear door mod to convert it from swinging open to lift-gate style? Not that I'm complaining much about the current setup, but how hard could the conversion be? A few struts on the top, removal of the swinging arm/bar, and redirecting some wires, right? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

I think it would be a complex mod, the hinges and locking/release mechanisms along with allowable space to add these would be a major headache.

 

I also doubt there's enough support in the roof since it wasn't designed to support a gate.

In addition to the latch not working properly you'd have to change the wiring harness. Not worth it in my opinion.

 

Good point

 

I don't think it's really the roof that would be supporting the gate, it's the struts. Here's a pic from the 4Runner.

http://www.torquenews.com/1063/2012-...d-trail-models

 

Personally, I think the locking and releasing mechanism can probably stay where they are. So instead of connecting from door to mechanism via right to left swings, it can connect when the top comes down, similar to how the upper right corner of Honda Ridgeline's tailgate locking mechanism is setup. But of course, I am not a mechanical engineer.

 

I agree it's probably way more complex than we would like to believe. Latches, wires, indents, handles, etc. etc. for something that is not even inconvenient. Would we like the raising tailgate? For sure. But the glass opens vertically anyways so it's a non issue to me.