I have a 2003 TJ with a 2” lift and just put on a new set of Willy’s Wheels. Issue is the spare tire doesn’t fit (hits the bumper even with the extension for the rear brake light). I have searched online but have not found the right solution. I am assuming I need a new bumper and spare tire rack, but am seeking any advice. Thanks!
Spare tire hits bumper
- Thread starter TD12.30
- Start date
You're missing so much important information here.
What size are the tires? Are they factory TJ wheels?
Is it a stock or aftermarket bumper?
What size are the tires? Are they factory TJ wheels?
Is it a stock or aftermarket bumper?
My bad! First post/rookie mistake.
The tires are 2020 BF Goodrich All Terrain KO2 285/70R17 that I purchased last fall. They came off of a Jeep Rubicon that the owner was upgrading. I am not sure about the bumper as I bought my Jeep a few years ago as a summer vehicle.
Here is a picture of the bumper, tire and wheel
Thanks!
KSHE
Member
have you looked for a rear tire spacer? I had a similar issue when I got new rubicon tires as well. I got the following and it fixed my issue.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C0XB7XY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C0XB7XY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Daveh370
Member
I think there is a spacer that raises the mounting point of the spare to fit larger tires on the stock spare mounting point.
No worries at all! So your issue is two fold.
First, that is a JL wheel which has 6.25” factory backspacing. Factory TJ wheels have 5.25” backspacing. That means your JL wheel is sitting 1” closer to the vehicle than a factory TJ wheel, hence the reason it’s contacting things.
In addition, that is a much wider tire than a stock TJ tire size, so it’s causing things to contact even more.
To get that spare tire to mount, you’ll need to put at least a 1” wheel spacer on the spare tire mount, then mount the spare to that. I would say 1.5” spacer would be ideal.
However, that larger tire and the extra leverage from the spacer is going to destroy your tailgate in short order.
You really want to solve this by getting an Exogate / MORryde heavy duty tire carrier. They are priced well and will solve your issue, along with a wheel spacer as well.
First, that is a JL wheel which has 6.25” factory backspacing. Factory TJ wheels have 5.25” backspacing. That means your JL wheel is sitting 1” closer to the vehicle than a factory TJ wheel, hence the reason it’s contacting things.
In addition, that is a much wider tire than a stock TJ tire size, so it’s causing things to contact even more.
To get that spare tire to mount, you’ll need to put at least a 1” wheel spacer on the spare tire mount, then mount the spare to that. I would say 1.5” spacer would be ideal.
However, that larger tire and the extra leverage from the spacer is going to destroy your tailgate in short order.
You really want to solve this by getting an Exogate / MORryde heavy duty tire carrier. They are priced well and will solve your issue, along with a wheel spacer as well.
I need help on this same topic. I have a 99 TJ took the 33's off my dads new LJ and the backspacing is a lot different. I had to get a relocation bracket to get the spare above the bumper. All fine and good for now but the tire is 1.5" away from the rubber rests on the tail gate. I am planning on a EXO Gate but I still need to extend the rests to meet the tire for now. Any ideas?
When I put on my 33's, the tire didn't hit the stock bumper — but I have a 1.25" body lift, which is enough to clear it.
However, I had the opposite problem where the tire was too close to the snubbers and the third brake light. So I got a wheel spacer to push the tire out a bit, and some hockey pucks to fill in the gap so the snubbers are tight against the tire. Been great like that for >1 year.
More details of this here.
However, I had the opposite problem where the tire was too close to the snubbers and the third brake light. So I got a wheel spacer to push the tire out a bit, and some hockey pucks to fill in the gap so the snubbers are tight against the tire. Been great like that for >1 year.
More details of this here.
So you put the hockey pucks next to the tub right? I think this is a great idea, hopefully they are thick enough for me.
Option B is you could put the spare in the back of the Jeep. I believe it should just fit within the wheel wells.
Option C is to not carry a spare. In this case you should at least carry a tire repair kit. They are easy to find, small, and very affordable.
That is a stock rear bumper by the way. That may help when looking at mounting options. I bought a rear bumper that had a dip in it where the spare sits. It drops 2" to make it easier to fit a larger tire on the tailgate.
Option C is to not carry a spare. In this case you should at least carry a tire repair kit. They are easy to find, small, and very affordable.
That is a stock rear bumper by the way. That may help when looking at mounting options. I bought a rear bumper that had a dip in it where the spare sits. It drops 2" to make it easier to fit a larger tire on the tailgate.
They are about 1" thick. Yes, drilled a hole in the middle, and put them right next to the tub. Required longer screws, of course.
The thing to balance is getting that tire too far away from the gate in general. For me, 1" more out felt ok, and it's held up fine. But if it was a lot more, that would be more problematic and I'd need to do other stuff like reinforced hinges, etc.
ToddL
TJ Enthusiast
I used this mount with 33s. It lifts it up but keeps it tucked in close to the tail gate.
https://www.hylineoffroad.com/jeep_parts/jeep_tj_and_yj_oversized_tire_mount
https://www.hylineoffroad.com/jeep_parts/jeep_tj_and_yj_oversized_tire_mount
I just put JK factory rims and tires (255/75R17 ) on my TJ with spacers.
Are the JK MORryde tire carriers the same as TJ?
Or, do you know if they make a tire carrier for the TJ with 5x5 (JK) bolt pattern?
Or, do I need to just get another spacer/adapter to use MORryde carrier?
No, the tire carriers are not the same, you need one for a TJ.
Do what I did and buy a JK wheel adapter for the spare. Works like a charm
No, the tire carriers are not the same, you need one for a TJ.
Do what I did and buy a JK wheel adapter for the spare. Works like a charm
Chris, Are you speaking of the adapter/spacer like I used for the JK wheels 4x5 to 5x5 or are you talking about one of these? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C0XB7XY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
No, I'm talking about the adapter / spacer that you used for the JK wheels.
You get one and mount it to the spare tire carrier, then put your wheel on it. Problem solved
That's what I did.
Guybrush Jeepwood
New Member
Guybrush Jeepwood
New Member
You can use a different size tire on the front axle if you don't have a locker. I wouldn't drive long distances like that but it'll get you off the trail and to a tire shop.
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