Anyone ever get this crazy mounting a spare tire???
 

Hi, I'm a college student now (went back t school after the USAF). Trying to keep things CHEAP!

I have a new 31" spare and wheel coming, but no way to mount it.

I removed the factory doughnut, and contemplated putting the 31 in the cargo area with the seat down if I have too, but has anyone considered this?

I wonder if it's possible to get some crazy heavy duty gas struts for the hatch, say stropping enough to support the 31 bolted to a tire mount on the hatch?

I don't want to do any crazy fab work (no time-tools), like instal linear actuators.

I just thought if I could buy a Wrangle style spare hold down, and get some gas struts to replace the factory ones (taking into account the weight of the spare)

Is this as crazy as it sounds? Would it work?

Thank you for your input!

Anyone know the weight of the 99' (Metal) rear hatch? I found out how to calculate what size/strength strut you would need.

k tried something similar with my high-lift and the struts woudnt hold that up, you can get it to mount in the stock location or just lay it flat in the cargo area, that what i did

or try this out
http://www.detoursusa.com/knucklebone.php

Can you mount it in the stock location with the rear seat up or does it have to go down for a 31? I am expecting the tire later today so I can check. Just wanted to know if you knew. Thank you.

Yeah, it seems sourcing a universal/other make strut set will be hard since most of the lifting force is not really advertised.

The only other vehicle that comes to mind with a similar set-up is a RAV4. Those struts aren't going to be strong enough.

Damn, that is actually pretty decent pricing. Way cheaper than doing a bumper with tire carrier. Also cheaper than buying a full size roof basket (those $99 ones tend to look like fruit baskets, IMO). I'd have to do a full size basket if/when I'd ever do one.

I think I'll try the stock location (with/without the rear seats folded) and save up for the Detours.

Any problems with the Vendor(F-S-T, cough, cough)? Or are they awesome like Serious Offroad?

The 31" will fit with seat up. There is some adjustment in the mounts that the seatback locks into.
The stock tire attachment rod will have to be lengthened. I just used a piece of flat metal stock and drilled two holes 2" apart. And remove the floor support that the donut tire sat on.

That is great! Thanks guys, you just saved me some cash!

I will be mounting it in the stock location with the appropriate mods then!