So, my sami tailgate has taken quite a beating on the roads I drive. The tire is ripping my gate in half. I know they make the bumper with the swing arm, pricey.... I was wondering, what you guys thought on having a full roof rack up top then placing the spare on it up front... What is the best option with budget in mind??? I need to keep the bed open for gear and what not... would a spare fit on those over the bed racks? I run 31s with a bit smaller of a spare... HELP!!!

Get a replacement tailgate from Hawk's

What can I do with my oversized spare? two options are new bumper w/ swing arm or mount it up on a roof rack... just seeing if anyone has a pref.

I hang a 33 swamper from my tailgate,
I think a 31 with a little bracing so it doesn't
bounce around so much should work fine

So if I get another samurai tailgate I can brace it so it is stronger? How can I go about that?

A small bumper so the tire and rim don't bounce
around and break the tailgate.

I would put something on the bumper, or on the
bottom of the gate so the weight of the tire can't
flex the mount and crack the new gate

id just get the roof rack, and put the spare up there

id just get the roof rack, and put the spare up there

   Yeah, but that makes your center of gravity higher and reduces your clearance under tree branches, etc.  Guess it depends on if that's a concern for where you ride.

Good point there lilred. I guess I should suck it up and drop the money for a swing arm, who has the best price?

Just make your own, get some 2x4 box and maybe some 2x2 and a hinge like this for thirty bucks http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=398331&perpage=20&pagenumber=1 and a little welding and cutting and some paint.

Quote from: kirknd4spd on August 04, 2006, 12:26:27 AM

id just get the roof rack, and put the spare up there

   Yeah, but that makes your center of gravity higher and reduces your clearance under tree branches, etc.  Guess it depends on if that's a concern for where you ride.

yeah, i didnt think of that. it really just depends on the terrain you drive on

Options: 

1) reinforce the tail gate, bolt a chunk of angle iron across the top, or maybe some plate across the back.

2) If you have the tools (an angle grinder and decent drill), you can bolt  your own bumper and swing out carrier together.  (Its less work to weld one up)

3) fold up your back seat and toss it in.

roof rack looks cool on the mall lot, but mine gets snagged at the most inopportune moments.