View Full Version : New to Jeepin'
So I finally fufilled a lifelong dream to own a jeep wrangler.
But I must admit I know very little about my vehicle so far other than I can barly sleep at night because I am so excited to drive it to work the next morning. I have taken it out once since I have had it on a very novice trail ride, however I have delema I was wondering if I could get some advice on...
I bought my jeep from a teenager that had alot of daddies money to dump into it. However he apparently felt that the spare tire did not contribute to its "clean" look (rascally kids these days) Thus my jeep has four great Goodyear wrangler 35's but no spare, or jack. In looking at the back of my jeep I cannot really even tell how I would mount one on, unless there is some hardware I am missing.
I would imagine one would need to buy an adapter from the stock spare mount to attach a spare, and I have already decided on a Hi Lift jack mounted behind the back seat, but can anyone give me some advice on mounting the spare.
Thank you in advance-
http://photos1.blogger.com/img/257/4474/640/100_1079.jpg
StrongWind
10-05-2005, 12:35 AM
First - Welcome to the board.
Regarding the spare - there are adapters that can make the 35" spare fit on the factory mount/tailgate. You don't say which model Jeep you have - a CJ, YJ, TJ???? A 35" tire may be pushing it for a TJ - I know the tailgate on a YJ has trouble with anything over 32". Breaking hinges, mounts, rattling, etc..You may want to look at aftermarket bumper/tire carriers - a 35" wheel/tire is HEAVY.(probably why he didn't have a spare on the tailgate...)
As for the jack - you don't need a hi lift to change a flat - even with 35's...You're better off using the factory jack to lift the Jeep by the axle, not the body. The hi lift is a useful tool for the trail - and needs to be treated with respect - it can hurt you if used incorrectly.
Right, I guess some info would help
'98 TJ 4.0
'03 X Colby
10-05-2005, 12:48 AM
Jeep wave from Harlingen. Also welcome to the board. Ya the Hi Lift jacks are dangerous. But they also make spare tire carriers for the 35's and can hold the hi lift jacks on them. But it's all up to what you want to do with your Jeep.
Mixed use, however I cant imagine doing much driving without having a spare tire?
I know my GY Wranglers say they are puncture proof, but still...
Jeepster61611
10-05-2005, 02:35 AM
Welcome, and Jeep wave from IL!
fyrfyter4393
10-05-2005, 05:47 AM
Like everybody else said, a hi-lift jack is not much good for changing a tire. Just get a bottle jack for that. The hi-lift is a great trail tool, though.
As far as a spare tire carrier, I would go with a rear bumper / swing-away tire carrier from a reputable fabricator, such as AtoZ Fabrication. (http://www.atozfabrication.com/atozbumpers.htm) The factory tire carrier realy won't hold up to much more weight than the OEM spare. I have a 31" Swamper (bias ply) on there, and the weight is really starting to take its toll on the tailgate.
matts88yj
10-05-2005, 08:37 AM
I would definility look into getting a spare tire carrier as mentioned above. I had Cassidy make my front bumper and rear tire carrier. http://www.cassidyscustom.com/index.html
I also know that Zach does great work as well. I am Cassidys first ever customer so if you order from him and tell him Matt sent you, you might get a discount. Check out his page. Mine is the dark green one with the tan hardtop in the pics. HTH!
Matt
Thank you for all the great advice!
ChadYJ92
10-06-2005, 02:18 AM
Originally posted by StrongWind:
A 35" tire may be pushing it for a TJ - I know the tailgate on a YJ has trouble with anything over 32". Breaking hinges, mounts, rattling, etc..You may want to look at aftermarket bumper/tire carriers - a 35" wheel/tire is HEAVY.(probably why he didn't have a spare on the tailgate...) On my YJ I use my stock carrier for my 35" tire and I can also attest that the stock carrier is not up to the job. I haven't looked at a TJ carrier for awhile, but from what I remember it doesn't look any stronger than what I have. So I too will go ahead and recommend and aftermarket carrier.
Tonka
10-06-2005, 03:04 AM
I got a bumper + swing away tire carrier that can also carry a hi-lift jack. In afterthought, the Bestop Oversize Tire Carrier (http://www.bestop.com/index.php?s=28) would be more convenient. To get into the back of the Jeep, I have unlatch the carrier, making sure it does not swing into something then open the back gate. When on uneven ground, you have to wrestle with both along with the weight of the tire. With the other, it is all together.
Imrubicon
10-06-2005, 09:07 AM
Originally posted by T0NKA:
I got a bumper + swing away tire carrier that can also carry a hi-lift jack. In afterthought, the Bestop Oversize Tire Carrier (http://www.bestop.com/index.php?s=28) would be more convenient. To get into the back of the Jeep, I have unlatch the carrier, making sure it does not swing into something then open the back gate. When on uneven ground, you have to wrestle with both along with the weight of the tire. With the other, it is all together. I second the best top carier as its connected to the tailgate but the weight is carried on the frame and roll cage mounts . Its been on mine for almost 2 years and no rattles and noise
Knuckelhead
10-06-2005, 10:17 AM
If you don't get a frame mounted tire swinging bumper mount you risk bending/distorting the tub if your carrying 33x12.5" or bigger, unless you just want to drive it on the street.. Lessons learned...
Tonka
10-06-2005, 03:01 PM
I forgot, JEEP WAVE from Littleton, Colorado!
we3jeepers
10-07-2005, 11:28 AM
Originally posted by Imrubicon:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by T0NKA:
I got a bumper + swing away tire carrier that can also carry a hi-lift jack. In afterthought, the Bestop Oversize Tire Carrier (http://www.bestop.com/index.php?s=28) would be more convenient. To get into the back of the Jeep, I have unlatch the carrier, making sure it does not swing into something then open the back gate. When on uneven ground, you have to wrestle with both along with the weight of the tire. With the other, it is all together. I second the best top carier as its connected to the tailgate but the weight is carried on the frame and roll cage mounts . Its been on mine for almost 2 years and no rattles and noise </font>[/QUOTE]whats funny is that you have one on your rubicon and it says it wont fit
Oversize Tire Carrier for Jeep Wrangler, 86-04
(Will not work with body lifts - will not fit Rubicon models)
Part Number 61950
why wouldnt it fit on jeeps with body lifts......
i think it still would
Knuckelhead
10-07-2005, 12:29 PM
Originally posted by we3jeepers:
[QUOTE]why wouldnt it fit on jeeps with body lifts......I think it still would I think it would too.
One thing to remember is that all the weight that is put on the rear of the tub (including the sport bar) is resting on 2 body mounts, that's right only 2. If you add a larger spare (33" and up) and who knows what else inside, there is a risk of bending the sheet metal in the corner area unless you reinforce the corners near the 2 rear body mounts. I know, that's what happened to my TJ with a 33x9.5" on the tailgate when my rear steel bumper came down hard on a rock descending Blanca Peak. Is it worth the body damage when carrying a large spare? I now have steel wrap-around bolt on corners and a Warn bumper with tire carrier and it works well with a 35x12.5 spare...
skeezer
10-09-2005, 10:54 AM
Check out Jeep Jamboree for a really good time. It's a jeep club that gets together every so often and visits premo jeepin spots. A great family time also.
00TJ4L
10-09-2005, 01:43 PM
About the tire carriers, Safarigard makes a bumper mounted swing out that uses your tailgate latch. In other words to get into the back of your jeep you just open the tail gate and the carrier swings with it, yet there is no weight on the tailgate hinges. This may put unnecessary stress on the latch though, not sure, dont own one.
Originally posted by Knuckelhead:
One thing to remember is that all the weight that is put on the rear of the tub (including the sport bar) is resting on 2 body mounts, that's right only 2.On a YJ there are 4 body mounts in the rear. One on each rear corner and one near the front corners of the fuel tank.
Knuckelhead
10-10-2005, 08:14 PM
I agree, same with a TJ but the front of the tank isn't at the rear most portion of the tub where most of the weight is added, right?
wilderrebelman43
10-12-2005, 10:06 AM
check out 4WHEELPARTS.COM they can help you out.
OhioYJ
10-12-2005, 11:15 AM
check out 4WHEELPARTS.COM they can help you out.How about QUADRATEC.COM (http://www.quadratec.com), especially since they host this board, and will match any advertised price.
Imrubicon
10-12-2005, 03:10 PM
Originally posted by we3jeepers:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Imrubicon:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by T0NKA:
I got a bumper + swing away tire carrier that can also carry a hi-lift jack. In afterthought, the Bestop Oversize Tire Carrier (http://www.bestop.com/index.php?s=28) would be more convenient. To get into the back of the Jeep, I have unlatch the carrier, making sure it does not swing into something then open the back gate. When on uneven ground, you have to wrestle with both along with the weight of the tire. With the other, it is all together. I second the best top carier as its connected to the tailgate but the weight is carried on the frame and roll cage mounts . Its been on mine for almost 2 years and no rattles and noise </font>[/QUOTE]whats funny is that you have one on your rubicon and it says it wont fit
Oversize Tire Carrier for Jeep Wrangler, 86-04
(Will not work with body lifts - will not fit Rubicon models)
Part Number 61950
why wouldnt it fit on jeeps with body lifts......
i think it still would </font>[/QUOTE]Geuss I didnt read the part about not fitting on Rubi's :eek: went on pretty slick . As for weight bending the rear body mounts I dont think they said it wrong for what it can carry my MTR's do not come close to 200 Lbs as I havent weighed them other then to lift them up to mount .But there is no give to the way it mounts from tires or my big arse leaning on it . no rattles no ugly bumper that you are stuck with because it has the good tire carrier but a trailer looking bumper . With the best ttop carrier you get to choose the bumper you want and not what has to come with it . I havent heard from one Best top tire carrier owner that had the corner bend or wrinkle. Takes a little guts to drill into a new Jeep but thats the worst part of install . You could use a second pair of hands on a couple of steps
Knuckelhead
10-12-2005, 03:21 PM
I'm just passing on my lessons learned. Some may wheel a bit harder than others, some may not have a problem with the way it's mounted. I know I won't mount a 33" or larger tire on a tailgate because of the weight encountered. My spare is a 35x12.5. Just my opinion...
Imrubicon
10-12-2005, 04:18 PM
Originally posted by Knuckelhead:
I'm just passing on my lessons learned. Some may wheel a bit harder than others, some may not have a problem with the way it's mounted. I know I won't mount a 33" or larger tire on a tailgate because of the weight encountered. My spare is a 35x12.5. Just my opinion... I understand as most think the weight is on the tailgate but its not I'm geussing that more than 90% is carried on the mounting points off the tailgate as I've had the tailgate mounts disconnected and it still swings just fine . Its like the tailgate connections are there for opening with the tailgate ie: the weight is not bouncing around on your tailgate (which even a 33 will bend). You would have to see how it mounts to understand or look up the install at best top . I like the way it lets me choose the rear bumper seprate from the tire carrier