Lou @RVHabit
Updated: Mar 3, 2019
This mod was necessary for my new tires and wheels. Going to a 34" tire would be too much for the stock OEM spare tire mount. I decided on the Smittybilt Pivot HD Tire Carrier 2843. This thing is heavy duty and very solid.
The install is a simple bolt off and bolt on process. First remove the carrier in the center of the tailgate then remove the two hinges that hold the tailgate to the vehicle.
The Smittybilt carrier hinge then gets bolted on the rear of the Jeep with the bolts you removed. Next, the carrier hinge bolts to the tailgate. Finally, the Smittybilt tire center holder gets bolted to the Smittybilt hinge. You reuse your OEM third brake light which easily attaches to the Smittybilt.
The video shows the steps I took. The directions were not great but understandable.
The tire mount is very solid. It does not shake or rattle at all. I am very pleased with the overall quality. I also purchased some locking wheel lug nuts so the spare could not be easily stolen.
(Affiliate) Links:
Purchase Smittybilt HD Spare Tire Carrier on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2l7L5Yf
Purchase Black Locking Lug Nuts on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2uq4SqQ