Jwestpro
Explorer
The company that made my spare tire carrier originally only made it to carry a high lift jack. I asked them to make a Roto pax carrier as trying to mount a Scepter can would simply would not work and keep things tucked in.
Tire and wheel choice was based on cost. The tire was the same as my OEM tire and I'm not going to get rid of a new tire so everything looks the same.
I've been doing this for a very long time and have a slight idea what I am doing. )check my above picture) I'm not doing any technical stuff and the slight overhang has never been an issue.
I have a steel suspension and a spacer lift from Germany in the shelf. That should give me a 1 1/2 lift.
The six spd is great and it was extremely difficult to find a dealer to order me the car I have. I believe I have the last one imported to the US.
Your choice of steel springs and 6 spd ought to make for a long term more reliable vehicle or at least fewer headaches. I totally understand on the wheel/tire situation. Did you ever consider the factory swing arm carrier? It looked slick and snug.