As I progress on Red Dawn, I've definitely decided against a rear bumper mounted spare tire. While drawing up my plans for a roof rack, I had to wonder; why not put the spare where it was originally?

Which begs the question; what's the biggest spare tire that can fit in the cargo area, bolted in the original location? I did a search on this and didn't get anything relevant. I understand the loss of cargo space that comes with an oversized spare tire, but for security's sake, and for the sake of keeping the roof aerodynamically clean, it seems like a good choice.

i'd say maybe a 30" tire. im sure someone on here will know.

if not, ask someone to borrow a tire lol

i can tell yea that a 33 standing were the factory spare goes will not let the hatch close with the back of the seat up

31" is the max standing. You can go bigger, but the seat wont latch.

Biggest is a 31 and your gonna have problems witht he rear seat and hatch...throw it on the roof.

you can make relocation brackets for the rear seat latch and you can fit up to a 33". The back seat will just be a bit more vertical Which wont be to noticeable

is there a write up on here for that. i haven't heard of it. i would be interested in doing it.

There is but i can not find it(google has been cluttered since i read it last...)

It basically involves removing the factory upper bench seat mounts then moving them forward(however much you need) then re drilling holes and re mounting the brackets.

for the spare you use a piece of angle and mount it to spare tire mount and then re drill holes to replicate the factory one, just hire up

cool i will have to look into that thanks

Thanks guys, sounds like 31s would fit the bill.

Had my 33 back there and only latched the seat on the pass side. I now have a 35 back there but seat is out so I don't have that issue. Also used angle iron to move the mount up.

my 31 spare wont fit standing in the original spot i have to lay it down in the cargo area until i can scrounge up enough green to get a rack

my 33 will fit if i lay it down

31 will fit if you take out the factory tire bracket (black thing bolted to the floor) and you put the stud through the left side lug. Its just barley enough room to close the rear hatch but it works.

Check the Go-Jeep website. That's where the write-up is for the bracket.

Edit:
http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoSpareWheel32inch.htm