Can't remember if I said this, but I measured the holes on the ends of the T bars, and bought some plastic plugs to put in them. I secured them with black adhesive, and now I don't have little rust spots on the T bar.

 

Just installed mine yesterday; thanks to the many before me that've offered their experiences and comments alongwith some neat hints. Nonetheless, near most of my install was smooth - had a buddy at the body shop grind the hinges for me, installing the hinge brackets went fine, even the biggest worry I had of drilling the hole through the body went fine-ish... my 1" hole was off just enough to need some filing - no biggie! Of course, as usual, the "use the template on the back of these instructions" template was missing requiring a little measure, guess, measure, guess, drill, ouch off by 1/2 a square inch and redrill again [this was around where you have to move the carpet and weather stripping off for the side bolts to the brace]. Decent measurements and/or the ACTUAL Template would've probably helped! The holes they ask you to drill at 3.25" and 10.25" were off by 1/2 an inch.

Next issue was when you try to actually install the tire carrier into the hinge bracket itself with the washers, spacer, washer, carrier arm, washer, spacer, washer combination for the top and bottom!!! I thought the spacers would likely just slide on the bolt!!! NOT!!! Had to tap with a hammer to make it move - almost felt like it was being threaded on! 30 minutes of fighting with that with my wife helping to put the spacers and washers on!

Well, got that part done, and then comes the "install three flange nuts on the back". WHOA!!! Try getting a rachet in there feeling your way around! Really, could this have been made any harder? Managed to get a couple of those flange nuts on by feeling around and eventually getting a socket on it, but a couple of those are still on finger tight. Figured once I got done getting myself unflustered, I'll go back in and try my luck at tightening those down! And after all those, I try to get my tail light on and guess what? I had to loosen up all those 6 bolts I tightened down for the hinge brace and slide it over 'coz the passenger taillight would hit the OR-Fab hinge

And the last issue was with trying to drill a hole for the brace that supports the hinges. Took two drill attempts to get the hole right. In simple words, a Royal PITA to install! Having the right tools was half the battle. But all said and done, after the many hours of frustrating install and cussing under my breath as people walked by, it IS Rock solid!!! Just wish the install wasn't that hard of a pain to do. Now that I'm done ranting, I think I'll enjoy the Carrier for many years to come Tried to take some pics after the install but it was too dark, will post some pics tomorrow

 

And the end result of a painful install

 

If your cans are anything like mine, you'll want to shorten those threads. I didn't like having an iron maiden as a tire carrier when it was empty.
Some people use bolts to hold the jack as well I just made my threads really really short. That way I don't turn a wingnut for 20 minutes before getting my stuff.

 

I gotta get one of these

 

 

Was thinking the same thing... it took forever to turn those wingnuts, but didn't want to trim/cut the threads since I don't have my Jerry cans yet. Once I get my cans, I want to see exactly how much I'll need, then trim the rest off and maybe use it to hold up the Hi-Lift. Trying to see if I can see some pictures of how exactly people have attached the Hi-Lift to their OR-Fab carriers

 

 

Fixed and welded my OrFab tire carrier and made my third light brake mod

 

How'd it work when you need to get the spare out???