Help identifying tire carrier

One of our members stepped up and sold me the Bestop Highrock carrier.. Stoked to give it a try. Thank you @SvtLdr !!

I had the Bestop tire carrier on one TJ and both LJ’s all running 35’s and couldn’t have been happier with them all. I also added a 5 gallon fuel carrier to each of them without issue.
I am planning to add the Bestop Cargo Tray if only for a small cooler and maybe the camp stove.
Which fuel carrier did you add and how did you attach it?
 
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One of our members stepped up and sold me the Bestop Highrock carrier.. Stoked to give it a try. Thank you @SvtLdr !!


I am planning to add the Bestop Cargo Tray if only for a small cooler and maybe the camp stove.
Which fuel carrier did you add and how did you attach it?

We expect to see pics when you get all this put together! :)
 
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One of our members stepped up and sold me the Bestop Highrock carrier.. Stoked to give it a try. Thank you @SvtLdr !!


I am planning to add the Bestop Cargo Tray if only for a small cooler and maybe the camp stove.
Which fuel carrier did you add and how did you attach it?

I used a Smittybilt fuel can carrier and fabbed up a couple of brackets to mount it to the carrier.
 
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We expect to see pics when you get all this put together! :)

Spent the past few days completing a refresh of the tailgate which included a 7-Slot Customs Low Profile bumper, the Bestop HighRock 4x4 Cargo basket and finally the Bestop HighRock 4x4 Oversize Tire Carrier, thanks to @SvtLdr. I had the carrier and all of its components stripped and painted a match to SEM Trim Black which is what I used for front & rear bumpers and most of the trim pieces on the rig. All the pieces were included and in good order. I replaced the rubber isolation pads where brackets mount to the tub and some of the hardware but otherwise, kudos to @SvtLdr for sending a complete kit.

BB4EBF91-B12E-4EF8-A0C7-015D7228D01D.jpeg


I had to remove the Rugged Ridge Spartacus system and go back to stock hinges which was easy enough and allowed me to install the bracketry for the over-the-spare cargo basket. Completed that last week.

The install of the tire carrier was really straight forward and I didn’t experience any of the alignment issues I have read about. It’s rock solid and at least at the moment has no rattles. Quite happy with how tight to the tailgate the spare is positioned as opposed to the cantilever system used in the RR Spartacus. Though it isn’t critical for my use of my TJ, the departure angle is dramatically improved With the spare mounted high and tight.

While the install instructions noted that three of the stock rubber snubbers were to be left installed, only the top right snubber looks to come in play. I need to source a spacer for under that snubber because while it is supposed to press against the top carrier bar when closed there is a gap of about 1/8”. I’ll sort that out. The other two snubbers aren’t needed.

The top right snubber with 1/8” gap to carrier.. These should touch..
A7CB2B45-02A5-46A4-A19A-4319EFF358EF.jpeg


The tire mounts to a removable plate and the plate is attached to the carrier with a 7” long 1/2” x 20 bolt which allows the spare to pulled back tight against the carrier. With the offset on my wheels the bolt is almost bottomed out on its threads. I think this is common. The bolt is far longer than needed.. I could use a 5” Grade 8 bolt and was going to replace it but none of the 1/2 x 20 bolts at my local supply store seemed to thread into the plate. Not sure what’s up with that. I’ll figure it out..

The last bits of the tailgate refresh is replacing the aux reverse LEDs I had mounted in the stock bumper. Sadly the reverse lights in the MaxBilt Trail Tails are worth shit so some sort of aux lighting is needed. Need to mount the comms antenna and add aux lighting under the basket.. a rear facing work light and two small rock light pods mounted under the basket illuminating the tailgate table. And, now that the ass-end is in order I need to replace the fuel tank skid and do the fuel tank mod.

DF8A815E-3597-48E9-AE36-385654B76D78.jpeg


The cargo basket is easily removed and I intend to install it only when I am heading out camping. With or without the basket, I am super stoked how it all turned out. The only casualty for the day is one 9/16” socket that went MIA. Crazy how that happens.
 
Spent the past few days completing a refresh of the tailgate which included a 7-Slot Customs Low Profile bumper, the Bestop HighRock 4x4 Cargo basket and finally the Bestop HighRock 4x4 Oversize Tire Carrier, thanks to @SvtLdr. I had the carrier and all of its components stripped and painted a match to SEM Trim Black which is what I used for front & rear bumpers and most of the trim pieces on the rig. All the pieces were included and in good order. I replaced the rubber isolation pads where brackets mount to the tub and some of the hardware but otherwise, kudos to @SvtLdr for sending a complete kit.

View attachment 414166

I had to remove the Rugged Ridge Spartacus system and go back to stock hinges which was easy enough and allowed me to install the bracketry for the over-the-spare cargo basket. Completed that last week.

The install of the tire carrier was really straight forward and I didn’t experience any of the alignment issues I have read about. It’s rock solid and at least at the moment has no rattles. Quite happy with how tight to the tailgate the spare is positioned as opposed to the cantilever system used in the RR Spartacus. Though it isn’t critical for my use of my TJ, the departure angle is dramatically improved With the spare mounted high and tight.

While the install instructions noted that three of the stock rubber snubbers were to be left installed, only the top right snubber looks to come in play. I need to source a spacer for under that snubber because while it is supposed to press against the top carrier bar when closed there is a gap of about 1/8”. I’ll sort that out. The other two snubbers aren’t needed.

The top right snubber with 1/8” gap to carrier.. These should touch..
View attachment 414167

The tire mounts to a removable plate and the plate is attached to the carrier with a 7” long 1/2” x 20 bolt which allows the spare to pulled back tight against the carrier. With the offset on my wheels the bolt is almost bottomed out on its threads. I think this is common. The bolt is far longer than needed.. I could use a 5” Grade 8 bolt and was going to replace it but none of the 1/2 x 20 bolts at my local supply store seemed to thread into the plate. Not sure what’s up with that. I’ll figure it out..

The last bits of the tailgate refresh is replacing the aux reverse LEDs I had mounted in the stock bumper. Sadly the reverse lights in the MaxBilt Trail Tails are worth shit so some sort of aux lighting is needed. Need to mount the comms antenna and add aux lighting under the basket.. a rear facing work light and two small rock light pods mounted under the basket illuminating the tailgate table. And, now that the ass-end is in order I need to replace the fuel tank skid and do the fuel tank mod.

View attachment 414168

The cargo basket is easily removed and I intend to install it only when I am heading out camping. With or without the basket, I am super stoked how it all turned out. The only casualty for the day is one 9/16” socket that went MIA. Crazy how that happens.

Man that just looks good all the way.
 
Thank you Sir. Can’t lie, I am stoked with form and function of it all. Just the gas tank skid that is a sore thumb. Showing a little of rust, which I am using as an excuse to change it. Thinking the 7-Slot Customs skid.

... you know what you’re doing man- carry on.
 
Spent the past few days completing a refresh of the tailgate which included a 7-Slot Customs Low Profile bumper, the Bestop HighRock 4x4 Cargo basket and finally the Bestop HighRock 4x4 Oversize Tire Carrier, thanks to @SvtLdr. I had the carrier and all of its components stripped and painted a match to SEM Trim Black which is what I used for front & rear bumpers and most of the trim pieces on the rig. All the pieces were included and in good order. I replaced the rubber isolation pads where brackets mount to the tub and some of the hardware but otherwise, kudos to @SvtLdr for sending a complete kit.

View attachment 414166

I had to remove the Rugged Ridge Spartacus system and go back to stock hinges which was easy enough and allowed me to install the bracketry for the over-the-spare cargo basket. Completed that last week.

The install of the tire carrier was really straight forward and I didn’t experience any of the alignment issues I have read about. It’s rock solid and at least at the moment has no rattles. Quite happy with how tight to the tailgate the spare is positioned as opposed to the cantilever system used in the RR Spartacus. Though it isn’t critical for my use of my TJ, the departure angle is dramatically improved With the spare mounted high and tight.

While the install instructions noted that three of the stock rubber snubbers were to be left installed, only the top right snubber looks to come in play. I need to source a spacer for under that snubber because while it is supposed to press against the top carrier bar when closed there is a gap of about 1/8”. I’ll sort that out. The other two snubbers aren’t needed.

The top right snubber with 1/8” gap to carrier.. These should touch..
View attachment 414167

The tire mounts to a removable plate and the plate is attached to the carrier with a 7” long 1/2” x 20 bolt which allows the spare to pulled back tight against the carrier. With the offset on my wheels the bolt is almost bottomed out on its threads. I think this is common. The bolt is far longer than needed.. I could use a 5” Grade 8 bolt and was going to replace it but none of the 1/2 x 20 bolts at my local supply store seemed to thread into the plate. Not sure what’s up with that. I’ll figure it out..

The last bits of the tailgate refresh is replacing the aux reverse LEDs I had mounted in the stock bumper. Sadly the reverse lights in the MaxBilt Trail Tails are worth shit so some sort of aux lighting is needed. Need to mount the comms antenna and add aux lighting under the basket.. a rear facing work light and two small rock light pods mounted under the basket illuminating the tailgate table. And, now that the ass-end is in order I need to replace the fuel tank skid and do the fuel tank mod.

View attachment 414168

The cargo basket is easily removed and I intend to install it only when I am heading out camping. With or without the basket, I am super stoked how it all turned out. The only casualty for the day is one 9/16” socket that went MIA. Crazy how that happens.

Looking good, brother. I always really appreciated the form and function of that carrier. I'm glad to see it faithfully serving another TJ enthusiast.

I used a couple pieces of 1/8" EPDM spacers to make up the gaps between the bumpers and the carrier.
 
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Looking good, brother. I always really appreciated the form and function of that carrier. I'm glad to see it faithfully serving another TJ enthusiast.

I used a couple pieces of 1/8" EPDM spacers to make up the gaps between the bumpers and the carrier.

I think you had said only one snubber was needed. I know have a few extras and could cut them down to make the spacer, but I doubt I could keep a straight enough cut. Band saw is the only tool I would trust for that cut and I lent mine to my nephew. I have to have something suitable in the shop. Otherwise I'll buy some washers. Hmmm.. I have the rubber spacer you sent mount the third brake light bracket (which I am not using)... Maybe I can double that over and make up the thickness I need.

Thanks again. This was a great project and I am over-the-moon with how it all came out.
 
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This was one of those rare times when that piece of what-was-it that I saved because, you never know if you’re going to need it, actually got used.

Trimmed to fit under the snubber. Needed a slightly longer M6 bolt.

Problem solved.
1470D34C-CAE8-44AE-BFF2-E35A58E0D397.jpeg
 
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I think you had said only one snubber was needed. I know have a few extras and could cut them down to make the spacer, but I doubt I could keep a straight enough cut. Band saw is the only tool I would trust for that cut and I lent mine to my nephew. I have to have something suitable in the shop. Otherwise I'll buy some washers. Hmmm.. I have the rubber spacer you sent mount the third brake light bracket (which I am not using)... Maybe I can double that over and make up the thickness I need.

Thanks again. This was a great project and I am over-the-moon with how it all came out.

I had to cut a couple snubbers down once and I got a good straight cut by marking where I wanted to cut it then clamped it in a vise at that mark I made. Then I used a hacksaw and used the jaws of the vise to bear on and guide my cut. It turned out well. There is a picture of it somewhere on this site, I just don’t know exactly where. I have it saved on my laptop but I’m not near it right now.
 
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I had to cut a couple snubbers down once and I got a good straight cut by marking where I wanted to cut it then clamped it in a vise at that mark I made. Then I used a hacksaw and used the jaws of the vise to bear on and guide my cut. It turned out well. There is a picture of it somewhere on this site, I just don’t know exactly where. I have it saved on my laptop but I’m not near it right now.

It was easier to find than I though. 😂

9B8D519D-5993-4B11-9C8B-E06D59D3465C.jpeg
 
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I've been waiting since 12/05/2022 to see these pics. ;) Nice job. (y)

:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
Me too!

It was way too cold to work outside and show any level of patience. And as so many others have said I spent more time staring at it, visualizing the next steps than I did actually working on it!

It was easier to find than I though. 😂

View attachment 414469

That’s a great idea. And I had three extra snubbers. Could have done it your way and still can.