Topic: spare tire carrier from blazer... question

[dexetr30]

Has anyone retrofitted the swing out spare tire racks from the older blazers? I was at the scrap yard yesterday and they have a few just laying around. Was wondering if anyone ever used one.

[oldjeep]

The ones that mount to the tub like the old CJ carriers?
Look like this one? 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-CJ-spare-tire-carrier-NOS-parts-rubber-Laredo_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33695QQitemZ180092240716QQrdZ1

If so, they are awfully hard on the tub.  There's a reason nobody sells body mounted tire carriers.

Has anyone retrofitted the swing out spare tire racks from the older blazers? I was at the scrap yard yesterday and they have a few just laying around. Was wondering if anyone ever used one.

[dexetr30]

Yeah, they are similar to the one in the link. Wonder if I can set it up to mount on the bumper. I'll have to go back to the yard for a second look. I think you're right about being hard on the body. I couldn't imagine putting much larger than stock tire on one. However, I think with some mods I can make it mount to a rear bumper. I'm trying to keep my costs down on my mods. Buying an after market bumper mount spare rack isn't in my budget right now. But with some scrap and $15.00 for the carrier I'd save some money and make it work the way I want.

[oldjeep]

If that's what your're trying to do, maybe look for a factory cherokee swing out.  Ugly, but the lower mount point is bumper level - top is still on the body.  Looks like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-XJ-Cherokee-OEM-Rear-Tire-Rack-Mount-Carrier-84-96_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33651QQitemZ120099533540QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

How big a tire are you trying to support?  Another option is the stock tire carrier with a spacer (if needed because your new tire is too fat)  and a piece of big "L" channel mounted to the bumper for the tire to rest on.  Seen a couple guys do this with 32-33" sized tires and it seemed to give enough support to take some of the load off the tailgate.

[oldjeep]

One other option for sub 33" tires:
This is for a YJ - but maybe they sell a similiar piece for TJ's
http://www.quadratec.com/products/13014_01.htm

[dexetr30]

I'm only running 29" BFG A/T's. Ultimately I'd like to get rid of the tailgate rack all together and store the spare somewhere inside the Jeep but that won't work right now because we use the back seat area quite a bit. I'd like to be able to mount the spare something similar to the CJ 5 but that won't work either.  I'm going to have to sort through some ideas and see what I come up with.

[oldjeep]

I'm only running 29" BFG A/T's.

I think a 29 will fit behind the back seat, problem solved 

[dexetr30]

I'm only running 29" BFG A/T's.

I think a 29 will fit behind the back seat, problem solved 

Yeah but then where do i put the groceries? lol

[Jeffy]

Yeah but then where do i put the groceries? lol

You go to the grocery store with 4 people?

[dexetr30]

Maybe I'll throw it back there over the weekend and see how it works out. I haul a lot back there so it might just get in the way.

[Jeffy]

Another option is to mount the tire on the wheelwell behind the driver.  (ie., stand it upright.) The most common option is to place it on the floor laying flat.  This allows you to put stuff on top and around it.  This also means no rear seat.  Realistically, if you're having 4 people, in the Jeep, you probably don't want it mounted inside.  Whoever has to sit next to the dirty/muddy tire isn't going to like you very much.

[dexetr30]

Another option is to mount the tire on the wheelwell behind the driver.  (ie., stand it upright.) The most common option is to place it on the floor laying flat.  This allows you to put stuff on top and around it.  This also means no rear seat.  Realistically, if you're having 4 people, in the Jeep, you probably don't want it mounted inside.  Whoever has to sit next to the dirty/muddy tire isn't going to like you very much.

This might be an option for me because most people find me hard to deal with anyway, lol.  I've been described as overly intense!