Is there a reason why the Rancho carrier sticks out so far from the back? I guess it's for the hi-lift jack, but I don't want to put it there anyways. Has anyone modified it and cut it so it fits closer to the tailgate? Would that even be possible without ruining it. I wish somebody would do a remake of that carrier.

 

I have it. I doubt it's possible. The reason it hangs out so far is because the actual tire carrier portion of it hinges and secures behind the bumper, as opposed to atop it like most others.

 

I have it and it does stick out pretty far. I am looking into chopping it down I will take a look at it when it stops raining.

 

Has it stopped raining yet? I'm interested to hear any ideas you came up with.

 

I read this on my cell phone the other day and didn't get a chance to reply.

Here is what i did and if you want ill post some pic's. I purchased warrior products 3rd brake light kit and tail gate cover in black. Drilled a hole in the 3rd brak light bracket and mounted my CB antenna to it. WHen im in town or just running aorund i unbolt the swing arm and REMOVE the tire and tire carrier. SO most of the time i dont carry my spare in town and ilove the way it looks. WHen its time for me to go wheeling. Which i do twice a month in season i "get the rig ready" the day before and put the tire and tire carrier back on along with my hi lift. Now i know some people are lazy and dont like the idea of lift the tire that much but the rancho bumper basicly has one bolt to remove the arm and you can leave your hi lift attached to it. I also save on gas only carring it when i wheel becuase i lose about 150 pounds back there lol.

I felt the same way and jsut didnt like the look. But i love my system now and i love the way my jeep looks with no tire and carrier at all. Plus there are 3-4 months in the winter where i do not wheel at all unless its to go slush around in the snow. So for 3 months at least i dont carry the spare or the arm. No point i never take my jeep more then 50 miles away from my house.

 

Do you have any pictures?

 

That sounds like a good solution... I'll probably do the same thing. Can you post some pics with and without the tire? Thanks a lot.

 

Here you go!

 

What are the holes and cut outs on the top flat surface of the Ranch bumper? Is that where you access the bolts?

 

yeah thats where you bolt it to the cross member. I like the setup and it works great for me.