I currently have an 08' 2dr Rubi with a rear Mopar bumper and 35"s. The spare is still on the factory mount to the gate and has been for it's whole life from what I know. My question is: should I be concerned about immediatly getting a carrier on the bumper, and more importanly if anyone knows if I MUST have the Mopar swing on the Mopar gate, or if it can be a mix? Ex: Teraflex swing on the Mopar bumper. Don't want to spend a lot, and not interested in putting the spare inside the Jeep. If anyone knows about the interchanging of parts being possible, please let me know.

Also, there is no warping or issues on the gate, I checked it when I bought it and after my last bumpy off-road ride.

 

First, I think you should assume that eventually your tailgate will be damaged. it's designed to hold a stock tire and wheel (~50 lbs) over pavement. Carrying a 35" tire and wheel (~90 lbs) over the occassional bumpy trail ride will significantly wear on the tailgate over time. Your guess is as good as anybody's as to when damage may occur.

As far as mixing and matching tire carriers and bumpers, I think you might be stuck. Most bumpers that I've seen on the forum use different spindles, bearings, and retaining mechanisms for the tire carrier arms. In fact, that is one of the main points of competition between products - ie whose bearing mechanisms are the best suited.

Another option is to get a tire carrier that mounts to the jeep body. I believe that the OR-FAB carrier does this, and I think there are a couple more brands that attach to the body and not the bumper.

Other than that or custom fabbing a tire carrier, you can take your chances with your current setup, get a Mopar tire carrier, or get a completely different bumper/tire carrier combo.

Good luck!

Micah

 

Thanks Micah! I wasn't aware of the different spindles and bearing between brand. Like you said, I do assume damage will occur which is why I am starting to look into it more. I guess I'll just have to save up for a whole new set up. But, I gotta do what I gotta do!

Chris

 

By the way, what do you dislike about the Mopar setup?

 

Also, Hanson has a tire carrier which you might like that doesn't require a bumper:

http://northridge4x4.com/proddetail.php?prod=HN-JKT2-P

Here's the OR Fab one (they also have one that doesn't' make space for gerry cans):

http://northridge4x4.com/proddetail....d=OR-FAB-85207

 

It's not that I dislike it, but it's not my favorite either. I will say I love the bumper, and the Or-Fab Carrier you sent me is what my ideal set-up would be. Mostly, I just don't want to spend $500 and up on a carrier. I know a cheap one isn't realistic, which is why I may just make a carrier to put on my Mopar bumper. If I did make one, it would be a splitting image on the Mopar carrier itself. I know a fantastic welder who has free materials for me and will teach me. I'm no expert at welding, but want to take part in creating it if I go the custom route. Also, the parent's neighbor owns a powder coating shop and has told me he is always willing to make me a good deal. However, I like the Or-Fab since it has a spot for Jerry cans, which I like to have for extra fuel.

 

I think the custom route would be a whole lot of fun. I'm looking forward to gaining some more custom fabrication techniques myself to work on some projects in the future.

I think a tire carrier may be a good project to start out with, especially if you could learn a little more about the design of the mopar spindle. I'd definitely go the custom route if that's something you're interested in.

Micah

 

I agree, should be an awesome project. I'll start doing research this weekend and talk to my family-friend for the welding. Will have a write up on it once the ball starts rolling.