clichtenfelt

Hi everyone, I recently bought a tire mount for my 2001 xj that was supposedly an addition for 97-01 Cherokees. It mounts directly to the stock rear bumper, with no additional reenforcing. I'm wondering if anyone has a write up or install video handy, maybe even just some experience in installing such a tire mount? I'm guessing they were rare, as I've found very few on the Internet. Ill post some pictures tomorrow, but for now I found this example on the Internet, just as an idea of what I have. Thanks!

RememberTheMallamo

Are you sure it requires no reinforcing? The bumper is thin, flimsy sheet metal, I just can't see it holding a tire carrier when I could probably dent it with my teeth lol

Big David

Agree.

01xjMontucky

Yeah -- I wish I could skimp, but plan on spending 500-800 bucks when I bite the bullet for the tire carrier. You can buy or fab a hitch mount tire carrier.. CHEEEP CHEEP.


But your vested in what you have. I understand.

I'd be wary. Unless it braces the spindle within the bumper, then again somehow to the bumper mount or chassis - that setup is set for failure. Are you drilling out rear bumper? Please say a spindle was provided.

The stock bumpers are such a joke, I have never thought of upgrading them.

I bought my xj off my girlfriend after she wrecked it into a guard rail. First upgrade was an LandL front bumper. Beefcake. After pounding out my frame for 4 hours, my mind was set.

My rear bumper is a turd. Rather than upgrade it, I'll probably just pitch it out. (get it?)

Sweet looking setup though. Nice and clean. How much did it cost? Can you provide a link? Guys on here are pretty smart at this stuff. I just rant.

clichtenfelt

Hey thanks for all the responses, the mount i got was previously mounted on an xj with a stock bumper, and didn't have the spindle you mentioned. What you're saying does make sense though, because I agree, the stock bumper does seem really crappy. Maybe ill do some additional reenforcing. I've been too busy today to snap some pics of it, but ill be them up tomorrow since im off. Hope everyone enjoys the holiday tomorrow, eat up!!

DarrellXJ

I've got a '93 Sport with the factory tire carrier. Very seldom see them. It's cold out, and Thanksgiving, but I snapped a few pics with the phone in the dark. I may be able to get some more in the morning if you need.

My carrier works great. No rattles, opens smooth. It appears that it bolts to the bumper, not through it. The photo of the bracket that attaches to the bumper is the pivot point - hopefully you got that with the deal. Anyway, hope these help some.

clichtenfelt

Hey man that's exactly what I have, I do have all the parts that you mentioned, i'll attach pics of each part. The piece that bolts to the hatch itself is identical, and im guessing that the third piece is like a spacer, does yours use that spacer? Is that something you installed yourself or has it always been on the jeep since the factory? Last question, any chance you could snap a pic of how it is bolted to the bumper? Im just a bit confused on how to get it secure enough, because it does seem like a pretty heavy load to put on the bumper. I really appreciate it

elevol92

I had the same on my 92, it wasn't factory, pulled of at local jy, all I did was have a buddy hold it up on the bumper and drilled the holes then bolted it, then I took out the stock license plate light and marked the holes for the plate the. Bolted. I did mine under an hour without doing one before, I didn't reinforce it and it did just fine!
On a side note I got a 88 with the factory tire carrier and this one bolts to the passenger side body and locks on the bumper.

DarrellXJ

Not sure about the spacer. And, I'm not sure about any backing inside the hatch, I haven't had the trim off the rear hatch. But, yours appears to have the same components that mine has - other than the spacer, just not sure. I may have some time this afternoon to take a closer look. If so, I'll snap some more pics.

DarrellXJ

Sorry, didn't read the full text.

Yes, it did come from the factory with the tire carrier. I have the build sheet. Listed as: "TBR Outside Tire Carrier". I'll try and clean the bumper up a bit this afternoon and get you some photos of the attachment points on the bumper so you can sort it out.

clichtenfelt

Hey that would be great, I just figured out that one of your pics was of the bottom side. But yea any other pictures would be greatly appreciated, hope to get this mount on and looking good soon!

clichtenfelt

Did you have to take off the end cap to get it to mount flush to the bumper? looks like thats gonna have to happen, may have to use the dremmel to cut out a section if the end cap gets in the way. And yea I have seen that older version of the mount, both seem pretty reliable, I just happened to like the looks of the newer one a bit better, and was lucky to find one in my area. You dont have a picture of the one similar to mine on your 92 do you?

elevol92

I do, I just have to pull it off Facebook, I did take my end cap off, never did put it back on lol
EDIT: got the photo, I will mention that you should use the grade 8 bolts, I was able to hold a 35" BFG mud terrain on it and drive for 40 miles including having four more in the cab

clichtenfelt

alright yea i figured the end cap would have to come off, oh well that won't be too big a deal. thanks for the advice on the bolts, its details like that that'll decide whether this works or pulls my bumper off once I hear back from darrell and get this all sorted out i'll get the thing mounted and put up some pictures!

elevol92

Good luck bud! Hope it turns out well!