Xj factory tire carrier.

[88Xj]

Finally got it on today. Still need to adjust to get it 100%. All bolts were replaced with grade 5, 5/16" I wanna say, slightly bigger than the factory stuff. Also used a washer on both sides of the bolts to help spread the load.
If anyone knows the specs on the 2 bolts that mount to the body please let me know..I want to replace those damn torx bit bolts with something strong, and easier to get at!


I'm hoping to mod it to fit a 31 & a jerry can like this...
[http://www.naxja.org/forum/showpost.php?p=244307739&postcount=3


Maybe find a way to mount a shelf to use a small Coleman stove for camping as well..just got to find a way to make it level as the swing folds out and at a angle.

 

[shogun]

The body mounted spare carrier may be stronger, IF you installed the reinforcing stuff behind the fender. I've never looked back there to see what it is.

The bumper mounted carrier looks like it wont handle much weight. The bumper surely wont, I dont know what they use for reinforcements.

 

[TOI]

we had one on our parts jeep, make sure you spread that load out. the tire carrier all but was ripped off the jeep when we got it.

 

[88Xj]

The body mounted spare carrier may be stronger, IF you installed the reinforcing stuff behind the fender. I've never looked back there to see what it is.

The bumper mounted carrier looks like it wont handle much weight. The bumper surely wont, I dont know what they use for reinforcements.

Thanks for the advice guys..my jeeps an 88 and was setup for the tire carrier from the factory. But someone sold it or took it off before I bought the jeep. Inside the rear 1/4 panel theres a brace thats both riveted & spot welded in place to brace it. I litterally just needed to find & buy the actual swing part cause I already had the brackets.
Theres also a bracket behind the bumper that mounts to the body & tire carrier to anchor it there.
I have the AMC model which anchors at the 1/4 panel & bumper.
The chyrsler model is that funky one that only mounts to the bumper..and I've seen those often enough. I'd fear running a 31 on that thing.

I also got to the hardware store and found out the 2 torx bits on the 1/4 panel are M8x 1.25x20mm. You will need m8x1.25x40mm to replace them. I now have all grade 5, zinc plated bolts holding it on, and officially no more torx bits that strip out way to easy


I'm hoping to pick up or trade my steelies for 5 aluminum rims..maybe stock canyons or turbines with spacers. If not probably the eagle alloy's..hoping to find some AR type 23's for sale locally but we will see. That would save me about 12lbs per rim and also reduce the stress on the tire carrier alittle. The carrier will get brace and strengthened but the weak point will always be the pivot point. The bushings will fail first.
So I'm going to try and keep it simple with a 31" tire and jerry can mount. Only carry the can when needed! The carrier is also housing my antenna & hopefully a small lightweight fold down shelf to hold a stove for camping.