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Post by 04unlimited on Nov 8, 2005 10:57:51 GMT -5
Has anyone noticed that the tailgate does not seal correctly with 31's or larger on the stock spare tire carrier?
When I threw on my 31" BFG's, the extra width of the tire against the little rubber stopper just above the bumper actaully caused the tire to pull the tailgate our about 1/4" on the bottom left corner by the latch, which was enough for it to not seal properly.
I took care of this by using a torx bit to remove the bottom rubber piece, and have noticed a lot less noise at highway speed. I don't see too much downside to this, as my dad's TJ has not had his tire touching any of the rubber stops on the back for the two years that he has been running his American Racing "Gambler"-style wheels.
What do you guys think?
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Post by wv4x4 on Nov 8, 2005 11:41:06 GMT -5
I think you need a Tire carrier!
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Post by moneypit on Nov 8, 2005 18:59:34 GMT -5
I run 32" tires on the stock carrier. The new wheels have 3 3/4" backspacing. That pushed the tire away from the tailgate. So none of the rubber bumpers touched the back of the tire. This leaves all the stress on the carrier alone. So I added a deeper rubber bumper and removed the stock one. It gives some more support for the tire. I would put yours back on ,just trim it back a little. I have also noticed that the whole tailgate does not close tight if the metal bar inside the back window has slid over a little ,if it is centered it closes fine.
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Post by 04unlimited on Nov 9, 2005 1:17:19 GMT -5
We tried trimming one, and it didn't work out too well for us. We trimmed off about half an inch, and the thing fell off completely when even a little bit of stress was put on it. The washer inside the rubber stopper came right out. I am not too concerned, as the stress isn't entirely on the tire carrier. There are two more rubber stops on the tailgate that are pressed firmly to the tire.
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Post by wv4x4 on Nov 9, 2005 9:10:53 GMT -5
I have a 33" tire on mine and its fine! I just have to give it a good slam!
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Post by 04unlimited on Nov 9, 2005 10:56:03 GMT -5
I have a 33" tire on mine and its fine! I just have to give it a good slam! Mine still closed alright with a good slam, but 31's with the factory wheels left just the slightest bit of the corner of the tailgate protruding...which was enough for the rear windows to flap in the breeze going down the highway, which was really annoying, as I was used to the quieter ride. |
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Post by nwquadriders on Nov 9, 2005 16:41:44 GMT -5
Here's your under $1 fix. Go get 6 washers at Home Depot (or out of your junk drawer in your garage). Take your spare off, slide 2 washers over each bolt, put spare back on... TA-DAH!!!  Yep...I'm a smartass, but that's all it takes. I've had my 31x10.5x15 BFG M/T on my stock carrier like this for over a year now. The tailgate closes just fine and the tire has stayed put...no rattling, no lugnuts vibrating loose, etc... It was a good/cheap fix. I've been told you want to keep that lower rubber do-hicky on there or you may end up tweaking your tailgate a bit, which will cause the hinges to bind up eventually... It's an urban legend, so take it for what it's worth  |
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Post by 04unlimited on Nov 10, 2005 1:15:01 GMT -5
I used up all the washers in my junk drawer lifting my Third brake light.  Not too worried about tweaking the gate, but I will definitely keep an eye on it. I still think this baby is destined for a Scrambler tailgate when the payments are done. |
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Post by nwquadriders on Nov 10, 2005 10:57:01 GMT -5
I used up all the washers in my junk drawer lifting my Third brake light. Not too worried about tweaking the gate, but I will definitely keep an eye on it. I still think this baby is destined for a Scrambler tailgate when the payments are done. I didn't need to lift my 3rd brake light after putting the spacers behind the wheel. It fits right over the top of the tire. |
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