I got what I think is a pretty good deal on some wheels this week, I found them pretty much brand new set of five on Craigslist, they are
Good-Year, Wrangler, SR-A 30 Inch they also came with five complete new looking Jeep rims for it. I think they came off of a newer grand Cherokee, and so far I like them enough. I am measuring the tire from the bottom to the top, and it is 30 Inches.

Anyway my problem is that my back seat just barely does not latch because the tire is in the way just ever so slightly. If I had about 3/4 to 1/2 of an inch I would be able to latch it, I do have a tiny bit of room possibly near the window but I am not quite sure, its not more than 1/2 an inch at most. I would try that but the tire holding arm wont move far enough to the side, to allow it to move back more.

Any DIY spare tire solutions? Will there be peace between my spare and my back seats?

Also did I get a good deal on the tires?

 

through the spare up on the roof

 

throw, throw, throw

 

Lay your spare down if you don't want it on the roof. I have 30Inch tires and my spare fits fine.
The SR-A's are decent tires.

 

Lay it down. I currently have a 32" laying down in mine. I think thats the largest able to fit in a four door.(with the seat up).

 

I measured my cargo area, and I measured about 34.75" to where the hatch latches. My brand new 31 fits in there w/room 2 spare. I have the 2 door though.

 

What about somehow extending the arm to make the tire go farther back towards the rear hatch? Or maybe even just bending it so it goes slightly farther back?

I am hearing different ideas on this though? In another thread some people are saying that they can fit it in but others cannot, but offer no reason why?

 

I have a 95 XJ 4 door and when I bought it, it came with 5 33x10.5 BFG AT's, yep, pizza cutters
Anyway, the 33x10.5 fit perfect when I lay it flat and push it up against the back of the seat when it is latched. The door closes fine. If you are trying to use the stock spare tire carrier, I honestly don't think it will work. If you would like a pic of what my rear cargo area looks like with the 33" back there let me know I can get one tomorrow. Or maybe I am not quite understaning your question.
Can't really tell you if you got a good deal or not, what did you pay for them?

 

XJ? Why wouldn't a 30" fit? I had a 30" spare in my 90 XJ 4 door for a while. 235s now. And I have a 31 in the stock spot in my ZJ, a 33 MIGHT fit...

 

I decided that becasue its only a few inches I need that I am going to make extenders for the back seat to sit farther upright, it will compromise some comfort, but there was little comfort to begin with so, its not to big of a deal. Essentially moving the screw holes with a metal plate.