Spare Tire Carrier failed

[GRunner]

I was trying to lower my spare tire this weekend and after an hour of frustration and poking around I have came to the conclusion that the receptacle on the tire carrier is stripped. The receiving end of the tire carrier is gone as there was nothing for the lever to connect to.

I looked around the internet and found I need to remove the rear carpet and remove the carrier ( four bolts) in order to take out the spare wheel and to replace the carrier (51900-60194) which costs about $100.

Would I be better of replacing my rear bumper with an aftermarket metal bumper? What are the benefit of having one? I can see lots of disadvantages, like blind spot, more difficult cargo access for parallel parked car, not to mention the added weight of about 200lbs.

Any comment before I decide to go either route? Thanks!

 

[Sandroad]

It would be difficult to strip out the external connection on that if it's the basic factory mechanism. Are you sure you don't have a security tool to fit a special anti-theft connection? Or is that what's stripped?

 

[hoser]

GRunner, I'm thinking it is likely the lock too. If you want to change it out for non-locking version, or if it is indeed broken, I have one for you. But you'll have to take the rest of the crossmember with you too.

Take a peek at this related thread.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/345934-spare-tire-removal-weird-jack-receiver.html

 

[mechanixhorseman]

Well generally, the rear tire carrier and lower profile bumper is going to give you a much better departure angle. Additionally, having the tire further to the rear of the vehicle will put more weight on your rear axle (better traction). Throw on the benefits of a modular system (ladder, jerry can basket, hi-lift mount, etc...) and the slee looks like a pretty attractive option. The only unattractive part is the price.

I would really love the slee rear bumper with all the goodies for it, but it's hard for me to justify a bumper system that would be over $3,000 after shipping. I could get a commuter car for that.

In the end I'd think your 100 dollar OEM option would be your most economic choice if you don't have need for any of the slee benefits.

 

[jonharis]

Would I be better of replacing my rear bumper with an aftermarket metal bumper? What are the benefit of having one? I can see lots of disadvantages, like blind spot, more difficult cargo access for parallel parked car, not to mention the added weight of about 200lbs.

OK I'm going to venture off of the norm for this forum and say that you probably wont like the rear bumper/carrier option. I have the Slee rear/tire carrier and absolutely love it, but I take my truck off road every week and sometimes very much off road so I need the clearance and protection. It also makes for a great spot to hang a Trasharoo.

If I wasn't using the truck off road I would hate the rear bumper. It creates a huge blind spot, makes the backup camera useless in the factory location, is impossible to open with one hand, makes getting into the back a 5 step process and adds significant weight to the vehicle.

Soooo, If you are going to go wheeling, then by all means get the bumper/tire carrier. If not, get the stock mount fixed.

 

[Mxndrnks]

Some good info above.... But having just moved out of San Francisco, street parking will be a little more challenging because of the extra length. I was living in Hayes Valley and I didnt have too many problems. But, like you noted, getting into the rear while parallel parked never happened. So, unless you like to wheel it, there really isnt a strong enough reason to get one.

 

[bamabrock]

Is there not a mount to place the spare inside where one of the 3rd row seats would be? I drove a '96 bronco for years with a spare mounted on the inside and never noticed it.