My Swing Out Spare Tire Carrier
#17
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Location: Cloquet, MN
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Year: 2000 Ltd.
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
I'm a test engineer for a heavy military truck manufacturer so I've seen how flexible steel can really be (it's not as stiff as you might think). I would also suggest gusseting the upright to help support the upright, but also add some rigidity to the horizontal tube. The way it is setup right now that will act as a spring (it WILL flex some small amount when you hit bumps) and will fatigue the welds. Even though it's a DD, the last thing you need is someone sueing you because your tire fell off the back on the expressway and caused a crash (or killed someone.)
Also, I can't see how the latch is setup but if you used the pin from a differential, be careful. Welding hardened steel makes it very brittle and it can fatigue a whole lot faster.
Also, I can't see how the latch is setup but if you used the pin from a differential, be careful. Welding hardened steel makes it very brittle and it can fatigue a whole lot faster.
#18
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Year: 89
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.8L V8
Well after all the advice, and Thanks by the way, my plan is to fishplate the upright and add a brace from the hinge to the upright. Also I found that when I finished the bumper, I cut some of the tube from the ends to try and take off a few pounds from the bumper, I inadvertently weakened the end where the hinge is welded. (Bad planning on my part!) So, I am going to add some angle to help strengthen the hinge side back up. Also, not realizing that welding harden steel makes it brittle, (and I knew this just forgot at the time, My Bad!) I am going to come up with a different latch system. I will post an update when done.
#19
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Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Originally Posted by UglyDuck
Well after all the advice, and Thanks by the way, my plan is to fishplate the upright and add a brace from the hinge to the upright. Also I found that when I finished the bumper, I cut some of the tube from the ends to try and take off a few pounds from the bumper, I inadvertently weakened the end where the hinge is welded. (Bad planning on my part!) So, I am going to add some angle to help strengthen the hinge side back up. Also, not realizing that welding harden steel makes it brittle, (and I knew this just forgot at the time, My Bad!) I am going to come up with a different latch system. I will post an update when done.
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