I've been running mine with 4.75 inch backspaced wheels for ?7 months. Fits fine.

 

I've had 33's on my tire carrier for about 24k now with no problems but about to lift and put 35's on so I'm investing in a Smittybilt oversized carrier just from reading other threads. It seems like the reasonable thing to do in the long run if not wanting to purchase a rear bumper or tire carrier immediately

 

Not to hijack the OP, but I take it that anything other than stock should be avoided?

 

I have 35's on stock wheels. I had to make a spacer to move the tire 1" up and 1" out to clear the bumper like stock. The tire sits closer to the tailgate causing less stress than if it hung out farther with after market wheels.

 

Can, yes. Stock needs a spacer to fit, lose 3rd brake lite.
Should, no. Eventually tailgate says FU and fails

 

I have a 33" on my stock carrier. I added the daystar bump stops because the stock ones didn't reach the aftermarket tire.

There's an MBRP(?) carrier reinforcement kit. I would try that + the bump stops. Then just keep an eye on it.

 

I thought I read somewhere that Teraflex was making a "hinge kit" or something like that to replace stock hinges and supposed to fit up to 37" tire, dont remember where I seen it, check their site