Installing a OEM swing spare tire carrier on a 1995 xj?

[Beat Crusader]

Hi Guys!

I really need some help here. On one of my trips to up state NY, I came across an OEM tire carrier. The man I bought it from said that it was an add on accessory for Jeep Cherokees and Wagoneers. I've already primed and painted the carrier but, I don't know how to mount it. I've looked everywhere on the web for information on how to mount it to the bumper but I can't seem to find anything on it. Can anyone tell me how to mount it to my bumper or even direct to where I can find information on how to?

Thanks,

Rick:driving:

PS
Here a pic of what I'm talking about.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Jeep_Cherokee_XJ_002.JPG/800px-Jeep_Cherokee_XJ_002.JPG

[4.3LXJ]

There are two styles, and that one is the least popular of the two. I have one of the others and am basically unfamiliar with that one. But I would say that you need to get the bumper bracket that goes under neath where the hinge is for it. That is why you can't see how to mount it. Also, you might need the center section of the bumper too, but not sure on that.

[Mudderoy]

There are two styles, and that one is the least popular of the two. I have one of the others and am basically unfamiliar with that one. But I would say that you need to get the bumper bracket that goes under neath where the hinge is for it. That is why you can't see how to mount it. Also, you might need the center section of the bumper too, but not sure on that.

There is an upper limit to tire/wheel weight on those isn't there?

[CT99XJ]

There is an upper limit to tire/wheel weight on those isn't there?

i think a 31, and even that's pushing it.

[pingpong]

I am not sure on how it mounts, but my 87 xj has some bolt holes to the far right side of the bumper bracket on the right side. My guess would be that is where it would mount

[ParadiseXJ]

Assuming you have the type in your picture, the bumper mounting bracket fits right where it should, it's moulded to the bumper. You have to take the bumper end off. Do your self a favor right off, take the hinge apart and just worry about the bracket first.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/chasdwitt/JFxxxxx.jpg

I used some 3" channel steel, inside the bumper (probably overkill) and bolted that to the bumper bracket and the "frame end".
(sorry, no pic)

Once you brace it to your satisfaction put the carrier hinge back together after you've lubed it up.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/chasdwitt/TC2.jpg

Then you need to remove the license plate (more on that later) and position the strike plate on the hatch. You can do this just placing the plate in the middle of the hatch and swinging the arm in while moving the plate. There's a little cutout for the wiper so it narrows it down pretty close.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/chasdwitt/ALL%20JEEP/JFxxx.jpg

The hatch on my XJ is fiberglass so I used some good sized bolts (3/8" 7/16") with very large fender washers.

You can find lots of write-ups on plate relocation, but this worked best for me. All I had to do was find a suitable light. Works well.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/chasdwitt/ALL%20JEEP/JFxxxxxx.jpg

I carry a 31" tire on there with no rattling, or other problems (just don't let the kids play on it). At first, with stock backspacing the TIRE wouldn't fit, I used a spacer to make it work until I got wheels with less BS.

Since there is no "stop" on the hinge I made a cable stop so the tire doesn't sling off if the latch is compromised.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/chasdwitt/ALL%20JEEP/JFxxxx.jpg

All buttoned up, ready to go.

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u196/chasdwitt/ALL%20JEEP/JFxx.jpg

[Beat Crusader]

Guys, thanks for all your help (especially paradise XJ.... THANK YOU!!). I've just downloaded the pics as well as paradise's write up & I will be doing this project tomorrow. I'll post some pics of how it looks. Thanks again guys for all your help!!

Rick

[ParadiseXJ]

One more thing...when you remove the bumper end cap, you need to cut it a little to make it fit back on. I used a dremel to cut around the hinge part of the bracket, and drill one hole thru it to bolt to the bracing. Factory installed, the bumper cap comes already "customized".