So in my quest for more bass, I've spent some time in my XJ's cargo area. I am pretty sure I am missing a few pieces of the assembly that holds the spare tire in there.

My questions are:

1) Anyone know a good place to get those missing pieces?
2) How big a tire can I store there using OEM pieces?
3) I see the connector for trailer lights sticking out.....how would I reroute that to be down near the hitch?

 

1) Junk Yard
2) I fit a 30x9.50-15 It is a tight fit but the hatch will close without a problem.
3) I never had a hitch or the wiring so I don't want to give you misinformation on this one.

 

Craigslist, look in auto/parts, for jeeps, being parted out.

 

I also have one of those 4 pin trailer harnesses but I keep it coiled up in the cargo area and out of the elements until I'm towing and my wiring is long enough to go through the hatch to the trailer.

Right now you should be able to fit up to a 31x10.50 tire back there with that plate removed but you might need a new bolt with bends to accommodate the tire.

 

Ahhhh.....so that is maybe why it's out then. Hmmm. I don't foresee needing anything bigger than a 30" (I hope to eventually put on that 1.5" OME lift kit) so all I should really be looking for is the wingnut and such and perhaps a longer bolt?

I'm going to take off that panel and see what I'm dealing with as far as the wiring goes.

 

You can fit a 225/75/15 tire in the stock location with the bottom plate in, possibly a 235/75 aired down.

 

Yep I've seen 31s back there. With a 30" you'll probably want to lose the plate. A 30" tire will also fit on the stock tire carrier if you choose to go that route. The missing hardware is a J bolt and a giant plastic nut.

As for the hitch wiring that is not factory at all. Behind that panel is the junction point, someone's just added some wires and left it hanging out some hole. Previous owner of mine just cut a slit and stuffed it through the little vent. I dangle wires out under the hatch when I tow, but I want to run it "properly" which involved drilling sheet metal, a grommet, and mounting a socket somewhere.