Factory tire carrier bolt size?

Chris

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Does anyone happen to know the size of the bolts (thread pitch, length, etc.) that hold the factory tire carrier to the tailgate? There should be 4 of them.

Mine was missing the factory tire carrier, and since I am just now getting around to putting one back on, I'm not sure what size bolts to go buy at ACE Hardware.

Also, are they SAE or metric?
 
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SAE 5/16-18 x1” on my 06 LJ

Thanks! I’m going to head to the hardware store and pick some up. I’m happy to be putting the stock tire carrier back on. I hated that bumper mounted tire carrier that came on my TJ.
 
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Thanks! I’m going to head to the hardware store and pick some up. I’m happy to be putting the stock tire carrier back on. I hated that bumper mounted tire carrier that came on my TJ.

Let me know if this works for sure!
I need to reinstall mine!
I have a 1998 TJ but I would assume the bolt size is the same


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Let me know if this works for sure!
I need to reinstall mine!
I have a 1998 TJ but I would assume the bolt size is the same


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yep, just installed them, that was indeed the correct size. I wasn't sure on the strength of the bolts, so I just got Grade 8 flange bolts to be safe.

Thanks @jgaz!
 
Where can I purchase these my hardware store does not have these. Also should I get a certain type that doesn’t rust?
Your hardware store doesn't carry 1" long 5/16-18 bolts? If not it's time to go to a different store, that's a very common size. Stay away from cheap zinc plated, get some that are anodized.
 
Also should I get a certain type that doesn’t rust?
I believe the grade 8 (yellow) zinc coating is better than the normal (silver) zinc used on lower grade bolts.
You could go stainless, usually equivalent to a grade 5 which is strong enough for that.
Or just throw some paint over them.
 
Old thread resurrection here but these must be fine thread. I got coarse thread and they don't thread in. I'll grab fine and confirm back for anyone who may be doing the same in the future.
 
Old thread resurrection here but these must be fine thread. I got coarse thread and they don't thread in. I'll grab fine and confirm back for anyone who may be doing the same in the future.
5/16-18 is the coarse thread (UNC). 5/16-24 is fine thread (UNF).
 
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I did figure this out, but thank you. A couple of the holes must have been cross threaded and I'll have to run a tap into them. The bolts stated above are right, I just keep trying on hole for fit when I should have tried a few.