REAR TIRE CARRIER TECH

By Johnny Lange 

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Ok, first of all, give credit where credit is due.  I got this killer idea from the guys and gals on the forum, IH8MUD.com.  So I really can't take credit for it, but my design may differ here and there from others.  Anyway, take a peek at my rear tire carrier I built in a day for the FZJ80 Black & Tan machine! 

So, First off, I took some metal I had laying around and made the post that would hold the ROCKLOGIC 4X4 Spindle Assembly that I purchased. 

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This was obviously after removing the right side plastic bumper corner piece.

After I figured out just exactly where I needed to cut a whole in the plastic, I proceeded to do so using a 1 3/4" hole saw blade.  I used toothpaste as marking paint to place the spindle where it needed to be when the bumper corner was installed.

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After getting the spindle placement all set, I welded that portion up, and then proceeded to make the arm and tire carrier bar. I used square tubing.   To get a slight angle, I notched a little chunk out of the tube and then bent it.  I then sealed the notch with a weld.  Worked out real slick.

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I purchased the latch device from ROCKLOGIC 4X4 as well.  I made a bracket using two plates I welded together.  The underneath has another plate welded to it, so that the top plates will sit around the bumper lines with no issues.  I used the factory holes in the factory bumper to mount the plate. 

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Here are the finished pieces all primed up.  I made a separate arm that comes out so that I could mount my $800 rear Toyota License Plate holder that came free with a 4Runner with a nasty rod knock.   I added a small pedestal for a light too!

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Limiting strap you say?  Yeah, I went the easy way to make a bump stop.  I purchased a limiting strap from ROCKLOGIC 4X4 and attached it to the frame, and then the carrier at the desired stopping point. 

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My goal for this carrier is this.  One, make it easy and not drill any holes in the factory items.  (except bumper corner obviously).  I  also wanted something that I could carry over to a rear bumper when I finally decide to make one.  The carrier portion on this temp set up will get me buy and will able to be transferred over to a complete rock bumper set up one day. 

That's it!  Enjoy!  And once again, the inspiration on this came from the guys and gals in the 80 section of www.IH8MUD.com

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Johnny Lange

New 80 Series Freak