100 series rear tire carrier details (2 Viewers)

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Malleus

Far west of Siegen
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Charlotte, NC & Alexandria, VA
I'm looking for details on the installation of the OEM rear spare tire carrier:
1757431216569.webp


I have a client looking at this and wanting to install one. Specifically, can a US rear hatch/tailgate be modified to accept the tire mount brackets, or will a non–US spec tailgate absolutely be required?

@Meshal

I'm aware of the license plate mounting arrangement; it's not a concern.
 
from my research into it, the biggest issue on a US model is that it lacks an internal reinforcement panel/brace under the rear quarter skin. I believe you can order that bracket if you're willing to reskin that back quarter to install it. I believe the reinforcement parts are (linked to diagram) 61033-60100 and 61625-60130, but not entirely sure they're both needed, nor would be all that's needed.

This diagram from partsouq indicates that there was a tire mount for both lift up and swing out rear door types
510363M.gif

 
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Thanks. I'm less concerned with the body (quarter panel) mounts than I am with the tailgate/liftgate. If I could find someone who has mounted this on a US spec truck, I'd be much happier. I'm trying not to be the first kid on my block...
 
well, partsouq has diagrams available for all global market vehicles. the first link I posted shows the reinforcements for mounting the carrier to the body, the second (and diagram shown) shows the actual carrier and all associated hinge and latch components, I'm sure it wouldn't be difficult to find the door diagram to show any internal components for mounting/supporting the latch.

If you're not interested in OEM components to mount the OEM carrier in OEM fashion, then I would just wing it and fabricate as-necessary to make it work.
 
I'm looking for details on the installation of the OEM rear spare tire carrier:
View attachment 3988475

I have a client looking at this and wanting to install one. Specifically, can a US rear hatch/tailgate be modified to accept the tire mount brackets, or will a non–US spec tailgate absolutely be required?

@Meshal

I'm aware of the license plate mounting arrangement; it's not a concern.

I have HDJ101 just like the truck you picture. The hatch is different, the tail gate is different and the sheetmetal on that rear right fender is different with supports and captured nuts for mounting. there is also a "door open wire" that lights up on the cluster if forget to latch the rear tire carrier. I think the rear trim on that side is also shorted than the non tire carrier version. The hinge needs room to fit so the trim is smaller.

you can compare the parts diagram in the body/interior->side member section of the parts diagrams. truck with and without. there are a lot of differences.
 
Thanks. I expected that. What I'm interested in is how much work is necessary to make it fit.
 
I've mounted this style carrier on my 1999 Lexus LX470 using the following:

Lower retainer, sub-assy, spare tire carrier: 51907-60070 (bolts in with minor drilling required)
Bolts for above: 90119-08093

The "right" way to do it would be to install one of these as well 61033-60090 but instead, I cut off the upper retainer and welded it directly to the body back inside there (not pretty but it has held a 37x12.50r17 MT and a pretty heavy wheel - 130lbs I think)

The U.S. spec hatch needs support behind the the bumper/stopper 51905-60020 so I cut/bent some pieces of 3/16" and braced it behind the door lock mechanism (it's close to being in the way but not quite)

I made similar modifications to the tailgate and added more 3/16" steel to support the striker plate. It holds to majority of the weight of the carrier compared to the hatch stopper/bumper. I would strongly suggest someone add additional bracing to the tailgate as it feels the most flimsy out of all.

I've opened and closed the same assembly on overseas 100s which came equipped from the factory with this mount and they feel a solid 40-50% stiffer than my "retrofit."

I give it 1-2 years before something gives way.

The tailgate and hatch from overseas models are both different but will obviously bolt onto a 100 body as long as they're the hatch style (not barn doors).

One other major modification I made was actually to the support arm itself. I cut off the tire carrier and moved it up about 10-12" to gain as much clearance as possible. Without doing this you actually lose departure angle rather dramatically-

Unfortunately this meant that the cable-release lever was un-reachable so I welded another vertical brace in the carrier arm and welded the cable-release to that.

If someone was really being fancy with it they could add a door ajar sensor on the hatch circuit. The striker plate and assy have spots for them.

Photos to follow (five included here)

By no means am I trying to scare anyone from attempting this. I don't have any formal training in body work, vehicle modification, or maintenance for that matter. I'm just a "hobbyist" who happens to love tearing up his truck. It's doable but be advised that it will take a lot of work (or money).

IMG_1485.webp

Above: OE tire carrier
IMG_3430.webp

Above: Patch's modified OE tire carrier on U.S. spec '99 LX470
IMG_3446.webp

Two JDM 100s with OE tire carriers and one 1999 Lexus LX470 (U.S. spec)
 
Here are more photos from throughout the process:

IMG_1757.webp

Rear AC comes out but can be replaced. Rear AC is compatible with OE tire carrier (contrary to my hunch).

IMG_1772.webp

Abismal departure angle. Worse than Dissent w/ tire carrier for comparison

IMG_1781.webp

Post-hike mod (35x12.5 pictured)

IMG_1995.webp

Popped two tires last october so I borrowed a buddy's and carrier home two flats lol

IMG_3013.webp

Here's the inside of a 2005 LC (UZJ100) tailgate that got cut up to fit a TT storage system. Customer later changed their mind so now the tailgate is taking up space here at my shop (for sale if anyone wants it).

There used to be a brace which runs down the middle of the tailgate. You'll want to keep that if you're planning to re-use the US spec gate for the OE tire carrier. Drill holes, plate it and add some bends/gussets into the plate that attach elsewhere to the gate itself for extra strength.
 
Oh yeah- I almost forgot about the main reason I had to move the cable-release

The key hole in the U.S. spec tailgate would need to be moved or will be covered up by the striker plate if you just slap it on

I also liked the idea of the striker plate being as close to that internal central support as possible for maximum strength (although one could argue that it generates a larger moment being farther away from the edges of the gate)

IMG_3778.webp
 
@cruiserpatch this is all great information! I was hoping I wasn't the first to try this. I may have missed this in your posts, but where did you get your carrier parts? Frame in particular?
 
@cruiserpatch this is all great information! I was hoping I wasn't the first to try this. I may have missed this in your posts, but where did you get your carrier parts? Frame in particular?
I bought mine from a friend who lives in SC. He’s originally from Pakistan and still has contacts there.

As far as I’m aware you can still buy most of these parts new from Japan
 
I can only imagine how much that is to ship...I'd have to find someone filling a container and hitch a ride.

It's too bad this didn't come up when you were shipping @wngrog's 80s. I'd have paid to ride along and galdly driven to the Tilda Bogue Service Station to pick them up.
 

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