I was just thinking about this... why not use a mount thats similar to the wranglers and mount it on the rear hatch. the only problems I can think of is the weight when opening the hatch, but if you use a support, like in the hood then i dont see why not? This might be a dumb question, but I figured I would ask.

 

I've also considered doing something similar, my own concern was like yours.

 

your gas milage will go down with rear mounted spare

 

My gas mileage hasn't gone down with my rear mounted spare.

 

Now, the front locker.........that killed the gas mileage. Wish I could get manual locking hubs for my D30 without sacrificing my first born child.

 

vauxhall gm tested the frontera with and without rear carrier and it made a difference i read somewere they were smaller engines though around 2.4 litres and 2.8 diesels dont know wether you have them in the us

 

it seems like it would be hard to get a good mounting point.

 

The other thing is that the XJ hatch is all fiberglass while the YJ and TJ tailgate is steel. If it did hold the weight of a tire at all. I bet it wouldn't hold it for long.

 

the 1997+ hatch is metal

 

Well, get a mount from a TJ and do it up. Do a write up so we can all see how it works for you.

 

I think a metal hatch, cut below the glass with the bottom half of the gate made into a swing out would work better.

 

The only way that I could see the rear hatch holding the weight of the tire would be to back it with a large metal plate on the inside. Otherwise you'll have a big hole ripped out when the whole assembly comes out of the fiberglass. (pre 97)

 

IF you did manage to get the rear hatch to hold onto the spare, consider the presure required to lift, not only the hatch but that full-size spare you just slapped onto it.

The cost of hydraulic cylinders, of the size required to fit inside the confines of the hatch opening, AND of the strength needed, would not make this a good idea. Even if you used electric actuators...still not a good idea.

Splitting the hatch in two.
Unless you have some mad fabbing skills and do not mind having your XJ down for an extended period of time, then by all means...go this route.

 

my buddy did it with his old zj. seemed to work, but i'd hate to be the one driving behind him when it tears apart from the hatch.

 

i wouldnt try it unless you got some serious fab. skills i wouldnt trust it and it would look kinda off anyways like a KJ wannabe lol