A frame (18) for a liftgate (10) of a motor vehicle includes an upper frame member (24) and a generally U-shaped lower frame member (26). The upper frame member is adapted to be pivotally secured (33, 35) to the motor vehicle. The lower frame member (26) is fixedly secured to the upper frame member (24). The lower frame member (26) is integrally formed, and includes spaced apart vertical segments (36, 38) and a horizontal segment (40) extending therebetween for supporting the liftgate as the liftgate opens and closes.