Spare Tire Carrier Unlatching While Driving

[michaelharrisco]

I've searched and searched on the forum here so I hope I'm not asking a question that has already been answered.

On my 1978 FJ40 (assuming original spare tire carrier), the latching mechanis seems to be lose so when I drive the spare tire carrier comes unlatched and swings open. I temporarily have a clamp holding it on, but I'd like to get rid of that clamp just cause it looks stupid.

Anyways, today I bought a new spring from the dealership and put it on, but it doesn't seem to make a bit of difference. Is there something else I should tighten up? The "c" latch thing will come off by just a soft touch of the finger so I think the org design is for this to be much tighter. I will try to tighten up that mechanism but honestly I hope nothing breaks off as I've had some old hardware snap in two as I've tried tightening it.

Any other ideas on how to get the spare tire to stay latched?

 

[nuclearlemon]

can't rememb er for sure, but see if there's adjustment where the latch portion bolts onto the carrier tube. can't remember if it can be moved up the tube farther.

 

[77TLCFJ40]

I have read of others making adjustments at the catch and at the rubber bumper to the left of the catch. The latch should pull tight as it presses the carrier into the rubber bumper. If it is worn, some have suggested flipping the bumper over, spacing it out with a washer, or replacing it. Let us know what works for you.

 

[michaelharrisco]

Makes sense. Does anyone happen to have a picture of what you are describing? I can't quite imagine which bumper needs adjusting, but I'm not looking at the truck right now so maybe it is obvious once I start looking at it.

I'll hopefully be able to give this a go sometime this week and will report back.

At least my spring isn't rusty on it anymore for $4 at the dealership they still have the OEM spring.

 

[Splangy]

1) Get a new rubber cushion block
2) Loosen up the hook bolts and move the hook over (down and to the right) so it keeps more tension on the latch.

 

[michaelharrisco]

1) Get a new rubber cushion block
2) Loosen up the hook bolts and move the hook over (down and to the right) so it keeps more tension on the latch.

Which new rubber cushion block are you referring to? I'm not sure where to get these, but I haven't called dealer yet.

When you say move the hook over, are the holes slotted to allow this adjustment?

 

[michaelharrisco]

oh yea, and here is a pic of mine showing the set up / cushions:

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Try to move 51956 over to the right. Its the catch on the rear sill. The rubber bumper is the one ending in 08206. The tube should fit tight in there. Flip it or shim it away from the body to get the tension back.

 

[michaelharrisco]

Now that I understand the diagram a bit better, I think it is the lack of bumpers on my carrier causing the problem. I moved the hook as much to the right as I could (prob only moved 1/4"). I'm going to order the 2 missing bumpers (hopefully can find new ones) and see if that does the trick.

 

[imabigbangkindaguy]

I got a spare dog collar holding mine shut.

Works like a charm, no rattles, and the tire carrier doesnt swing open.

 

[77TLCFJ40]

The 51959 "cushion" should be up/down adjustable. You might want to try that too. It is my understanding that bumpers and cushions other than 51959 exist to protect the rear doors from banging into the carrier when both are opened or if the door opens with the carrier still closed.

 

[velorider5]

My Latch was bent up over the bar by the PO. It still hits the rubber bumper (51959) so doesn't rub against the body or doors. I have never had it come unlatched so seems to work.

 

[Butterer]

I have a 77 and had the same issue. The cushion was wore out and i couldn't find one. I fixed by wraping some rubber sheet around the tube so it sits tight in the cushion / receiver. I glued it on once i got it lined up and it looks factory. Cost $6.