I like Brett's version better. He ships you a very nice, long and strong reinforcement bar to mount the actual gate bracket to. This eliminates any flex on the (weak) sheet metal of the gate....

Now that you remind me... still gonna mount the hood-lift kit... grumble... So little time, so many things to do...

 

I did my mod with parts from McMaster and the 30 lb strut, couldn't be happier, works great,

 

MSC Industrial Supply has the brackets in Black Zinc (I imagine their then the same color as the gas spring), if you so desire.

All the parts totalled $18.75 plus shipping, ordered on line at:
mscdirect.com - Sorry, forgot about the direct link rule....

#427112 - 2" Black Zinc Ball Mount Bracket $1.03

#427203 - 1" Black Zinc Ball Mount Bracket $1.02

#32912206 - Safety Clip QTY 2 EACH - $.50

#483743 - Fixed Force Gas Springs Capacity: 30 Extended Length: 19.63 Stroke: 7 - $16.20

More Choices = Good!

 

I just finished this mod and it's awesome!

I tried to use RedneckJeep's instructions, and have been really happy with the results. My only complaints are that I ended up drilling my holes a little crooked in the tailgate, so I'm in the process of creatively covering the bracket up with something that might hide my little oops...

I used all the parts from McMaster (the 40lb strut is perfect!), and I bought a rivet nut installation tool from a local auto parts store to pop in the rivet nuts. The tool was almost $70, but it was definitely worth it. I tried using a home made rivet nut installation tool for some mods on my old liberty, and it didn't work out so well. If there is anyone in the Monterey, CA area that ever needs to borrow it, feel free to PM me. It's much easier than the "nut-and-bolt" method of trying to install a rivet nut.

 

I have a dumb question. Woods are you "tom woods" ? like tom woods driveshafts and upgrades.

 

Nope....as in Brett Woods!

 

I'll have to add this mod to the "to do" list.

 

oh ok. I didnt know cause he does a lot of clean upgrades and stuff. thanks for clearing it up.

 

This mod is great. Got all my stuff at West Marine. Installed with no probs. Thanks for the all the info!

 

While this is a great mod, it didn't last for me. (see my prior posts in this tread with a link to a gallery of photos for my install). A few weeks ago I noticed the 30lb shock was bending the mount on the inside body part. And a few days ago, the rivet nuts gave out and the shock popped out.

So what does this mean? I think it means that you need to guide the door open at all times and not let it open and bounce on it's own.

What am I going to do? Nothing. I'm gong to leave the shock off and make a clip mount for some sort of rod or stick that I can pull out to prop the door open (like a hood prop) when the need arises.

Just my experience and I thought I would share.