Stock Spare Tire Carrier

[Barnabe]

I have changed my wheel / tire size and don't think I'll need the stock spare. When I went to remove it, I couldn't leave that chain hanging there and to remove the chain I had to remove the cross member.

Do I need to put the cross member back? Does it add to the structural strength of the frame? I have a tow hitch so the rear of the frame is connected.

 

[rhah]

I removed mine when I did the same thing, if your worried about strength add an aftermarket bumper to tie the rear together. I don't see any reason to lug that extra dead weight around if its not being used

 

[jawjatek]

I put my cross member back in, after removing the hoist, when I installed my 4+ bumper. It isn't very heavy and IMO helps protect the gas tank from bashing. I did clean and POR it first.