My XJ went from stock to 31s, 33s, 35s, and now 37s...
Most of you are familiar with what can be struggles of keeping the rear seat and finding a good home for a big spare tire.

I kept the 31" & 33" spare tire on the roof without problems.

The 35 was up there for a while but when I took it off I noticed how much it was killing my fuel economy and ability to pull hills. Not to mention the PIA it is to get it up and down from there.

So I started strapping it to the back seat on the driver side. It worked well for keeping it "compact" and still leaving storage room, but hurt visibility. I started working on a design for a rear tire carrier but again when I mocked up how much visibility I'd loose out the back hatch I decided it was time for another plan...

 

Let's see the rest!!!

 

yeah dude what a tease

 

I'm guessing just cutting the hatch to clear the larger tire?

 

I'd mount the 6x9s in the Wal Mart cooler & get a can of Fix A Flat. Problem solved.

 

Sorry, still a work in progress.
I got some more done tonight but to dark for pictures

The goal is to fit the 37" tire lying flat in the back with rear seat up.
This is on a 94 so I have the fiber glass hatch.

With the inner liner cut out it gains a 1.5" of room into the hatch.
I cut it so the internal bracing is still attached except for the center brace which was directly behind the license plate. The rear wiper motor had to go as well and I'll end up plugging the hole.


In total the hole I cut is 13" tall, 17" wide , and 1.5" deep


I'm also mounting some 5x7s in the back as well.

Will get some progress pics in the morning

 

Here is the back panel cut to be reinstalled:


Another Shot of the 1.5" gained into the hatch:


Room Behind Tire with section cut out:



This is how the tire will sit into the hatch (AFTER) I make the mount:



Just a view from the inside:

 

I saw one guy on the forum aired down the spare and flattened the one side. Fit just fine with no mods.

 

What size tire is in the back here? Looks like a 33

 

 

Interesting idea!

 

All Shaved Down:



Trim Reinstalled:



From the Inside:



5x7s



Next Steps:
1) Build tire holder
2) Secure Wiring Harness
3) Paint

 

So does the 35 fit with the rear bench up? I'm on 33s but going 35s next and also keep it in the same place laying down.

 

Yes, I was able to fit the 35 back there without cutting the hatch.
However, it required some persuasion to the seat and in shutting the hatch it's self.