Tailgate differences

Can I use a 76 and up tailgate on a 74? The only difference I know is the hinge type. Are the tailgates the same size?????

 

when we added the tailgate to our 74 CJ5 ( it was a Renegade Pkg delete) we tried using one. overall I think i remember them being the same size, but the main difference was the top and hinges, the 76 and up had a slanted top where as the older ones had a round tube. we wanted it to look factory so we went with an older one. It might make a difference if you were to put a top on it, I don't know for sure though because we never have.

 

I think the slanted top tailgate is a CJ7 tailgate. Not sure if I have actually seen a factory '76-'83 tailgate. I know they made them, standard as I recall on Southern CJ5's and and option on Northern CJ5's.

 

Parts book says that the CJ-5 tailgates are all the same, at least within the range of my book (1974-80). Jeep PN 685459 - which is a very early (Willys era) PN.

The solid back panels changed from year to year, depending on the size of the cutout (above the pintle area?) and the diameter fo the fuel filler hole.

The slant-top tailgate is indeed for the CJ-7.

 

So.............as long as I figure out the hinge problem the tailgates are the same size right?!?!?!

Here's my reason......I am rebuilding this 74 with pretty much ALL stainless hardware and the tailgate hinge is one of the last I have to replace. The old tailgate has mounting rods already built in which would negate using stainless hinges on it. A newer style would solve that IF it is the same size dimensionally..........any more opinions?

 

What hinge problem? There's only one CJ-5 tailgate, and it hinges at the bottom. Are you thinking of the CJ-7 tailgate? There is no "newer style" tailgate for the CJ-5, AFAIK.

The hinge pin is built into the tailgate, and has a flat that keys into the hinges. You need to use the same style of hinges, even if they stainless. The original hinges are cast IIRC. I would clean up the original style hinges and attach them with stainless bolts. The hinges were painted body color originally; you could paint them or powder coat, or chrome. Chrome hinges might be available from the aftermarket.

 

timgr,

There is a stainless hinge that is listed on many websites for the cj5 from 76 to 83 and it doesn't look like the hinge on my 74. I have the hing you are describing. What I was wondering is can I put a tailgate from a 76 and up cj5 on my 74 and use the stainless hinges?

 

You have a pointer to the hinge you're thinking of?

 

Ok i see what you are saying. Those stainless hinges you are seeing for sale are mislabeled. They are for CJ7's, not CJ5's. CJ5 only used the slotted style the other guy is referring to. When we were adding a tailgate to ours, we had no hardware,etc and were going to use that CJ7 tailgate but decided not to because we wanted an original look, If you are doing the same you have to use those slotted hinges. It looks like the CJ5 used that same style all the way to the 80's

 

Oh, okay then. Guess I'll have to take your advice timgr and clean up the old brackets and slap some paint on em!

Thanks goodolboy71