I'm picking up a ZJ soon, and I'm scoping out some things I want for it. This is strictly a DD, since my XJ is now a trail rig. I also live in a city and parallel park pretty much everywhere. I want to remove the spare out of the cargo area for additional space, but I still would like a spare if I need it. I've never driven a vehicle with a rear mounted spare. Are they cumbersome at times? Would this make the vehicle annoying to park in tight spaces? I saw a carrier that has the tire more on the passenger side of the vehicle, so I should still be able to see behind me. And I'm driving an Expedition now with no issues while parking, so the length shouldn't be annoying.


Anyone have any pictures of them on their street ZJs? Or any feedback?

 

Actually I think it would be better off on the driver's side for visual clearance. That way, you could see past it on the curb side. I've driven a lot of trucks in my time and rely on my side mirrors more than most people do. I get frustrated by the convex passenger's mirror because of loss of depth perception. I hate spinning around in my seat to peer out the back, but parallel parking is one time you almost have to.

One trick my daddy taught me. Stop parallel to the spot to judge if there is enough room, before attempting to use it. Works every time. It also allows traffic to react to what you're about to do.

 

Ah that's a good point! Drivers side would be better. And I totally do that too. Helps a ton when checking a spot.

I don't think the carrier would stick out that far and get in the way. It'll be a stock sized tire on the back.

 

Ha, ha! Yeah, I think a 12.5 on the back would require a red flag!

 

A buddy had a 33x12.50 on the back of his XJ and never had an issue with Johnny law. But between that and his large stinger, he was getting caught left and right on the trails haha. I want a spare since I'm no longer driving with big mid tires and I might actually get a flat tire lol

 

Speaking of bumpers.. Anyone know of any low profile front bumpers, or any ones that replace the square fogs with rounded lights? I don't want a real beefy ARB one. Just something stronger than stock.

 

Take a look at http://www.protofab4x4.com/index.html http://www.rockhard4x4.com/default.asp

 

One of the features I DO NOT LIKE about my WJ is the spare tire is under the floor in the cargo area, which makes the gas tank low profile and VERY likely to get damaged off road. I don't think a skid plate would make it any better because it makes it even lower! Any serious off road work with a WJ would require relocating it as a fuel cell into the spare tire compartment.

This just makes the WJ more of a street machine than the ZJ. When I went looking for a replacement for my 97 ZJ, that's what I really wanted, but I couldn't find one in good shape. This WJ was just too good of a deal to pass up, much to my lack of knowledge. I really think Jeep's idea was to boost sales of their other models while promoting the luxury of the Grand.

If I was serious, I should have bought a Wrangler Rubicon.

 

Damn phone.. Sorry double post.

 

Anything more low profile or a beefy bumper that has a grille guard on it? Similar to a pre runner? Its strictly a DD so i don't need a winch. I just want additional protection, and maybe a little extra weight to help in the snow.



Do you think something like this is too heavy/beefy for a DD?


http://www.csloffroad.com/images/pro...J_no_winch.jpg