This Tire Carrier will not fall off

[carpenle]

So I had a busy weekend!

My XJ was missing a tire carrier, so I decided to get one on the jeep. I started with a bumper/tire carrier that I pulled off another XJ that I sold. The swing consisted of a bolt and when you would swing it out, it would almost hit the ground. I decided that I needed to correct the issue.

Light bulb came on when I thought about my old dirt bike that a friend seized the motor for me. I decided to cut the neck/triple tree off and use that for my swing/hinge. It is nice because of the ball bearings and is strong. I cut off the neck, removed the steam from the triple tree, and made some new 1/4 ‘ thick brackets. It was very helpful that my friend has a plasma cutter, made life a lot easier.

I cut off the tire carrier and moved it over to the passenger side about 6 inches. This gives me a view out the back window and gives me space for some jerry cans. I need a jerry can mount if anybody has one, let me know.

I had to make a new mount for the tire, the original was 5 lug and mine is 6 lug. I made a plate, copied the bolt pattern, drilled the holes, then used 6 grade 8 bolts and welded in them in place.

It not only looks great, it functions amazing. It swings out the same with or with out the tire. I do not think this carrier will fall off, I did two nice gussets and welded everything. I added two D rings as well. A quick shaker paint job and I have about $15 into the whole project.

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This is the first Pic that I took. I should have taken some from the start, but forgot. I missed the cutting off the neck and making the brackets.

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Mocked up

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Back side of the neck, I added a plate, because it had some webbing, but I wanted it sold. I knew it was going to over hang on the bumper.

[carpenle]

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I decided not to weld the top bracket, so it still can be removed. If I had welded it, I would never be able to remove it, nor maintain the bearings. By making a 90 and threading it with a bolt, I can still remove the carrier.

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I left the vin plate on and taped it off when I painted, because I think it is really cool and will make people think.

[carpenle]

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Welded the carrier to my new hinge, notice the placement of the carrier and 5 lug bolt pattern. It is centered right now and I have six lugs, so that will need to be moved/changed.

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Mocked up on the jeep, to check [IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]

Added some gussets, wanted to support everything.

[carpenle]

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Now six bolt, I know I am missing some pics, but I forget to stop and take them.

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Ball bearings and grease

[carpenle]

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[carpenle]

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Finished product, by the way first glimpse of my XJ. I still have not posted a new toy thread.

[glacierpaul]

Sweet Levi!! Good job!

[Java]

Awesome!! really nice work, it looks strong. I like the VIN!!

[4Runninfun]

great idea! I don't think you're going to have to worry about that!

[carpenle]

4Runninfun previously posted:

[Heather]

That is really cool, and I love how close-in to the back it is. I had a tire carrier fall off on Park Avenue during rush hour - not a fun time at all. Thanks for taking the time to post the info!

[carpenle]

Heather previously posted:

[carpenle]

If I would have left it as is, it would have came off. It had 6 inches of back and forth travel and when you would swing it out, it would drop way down.

[Popsgarage]

The way you placed it in double shear is the only way to build a tire carrier. With a bearing on top and bottom, you'll never stress the bearing spindle enough for it to snap.

[94ToyBear]

Cant see the pics for some reason

[Chris]

It looks like they pics were deleted, this is a good example of why we should upload the images. This thread is pretty much useless now.

[carpenle]

I would not say useless, the Idea is the important part. You can go to http://s379.photobucket.com/user/car...rary/1990%20XJ for pics, I will add them later. I had to move them, because my photobucket account was about up and I wanted my e-bay pictures of the jeep to stay.