CJJ_98_XJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Salt Lake City
First off, I realize this isn't going to work for everyone. It sticks out a ways, combined with my already low aftermarket hitch. For me, it works though. For day trip rides, the spare will be in the back. But for camping trips where I need a bit of extra room, or expedition style trips where I also need more room, it fits the bill quite nicely, and rather cheap as well. I'm into this total about $40 including getting my a$$ raped for $16 for (2) 5/8" grade-8 bolts, and (2) 3/4" grade-5 bolts. Stupid small town price gouging!!!!! Steel was cheap as I bought a full 20' of the 2x2x3/16 tubing for some sliders which I will build later this summer. The 2-1/2x2-1/2x3/16 tubing was $19 at State Trailer Supply. Was cheaper that way than buying a full length of it. Plus it already had the holes in it, and was cut to the correct length I needed. Saved time fabricating.
Built the main extender. the 2x2x3/16 tube extends inside the 2-1/2x2-1/2x3/16 tube 1". It is welded around the outside joint, as well as a 3/4" plug weld on each of the (4) sides.
sketch the side support plates and torch 'em out.
The difficult part to see here is where I mocked it all up and tacked the vert post to the side plates. Did this so I could match drill all the holes together to make sure they all line up perfectly. Ended up needing to dremel them out a bit after final welding, but it was quite minimal.
Next, cut the vert post to length. I had rough cut it previously, but it needed to be lowered a bit. Then I added the outer half of a Cherokee unit bearing. Didn't have a press to bust it apart, so out came the hot wrench again. Quick work, and it didn't mess up anything. Daughter thought it was cool picking up the ball bearings with the magnet too. Grind the proper miter on it, and weld it in place.
Final assembly.
With the tire mounted.
Wobbled around more in the hitch than I would have been able to live with, so I remedied that with a 9/16" hole, a 1/2" nut, some weld, and a 1/2" bolt. Bolt is tapered almost to a point. This ensures I don't mushroom out the threads when I torque it down, thus preventing me from removing the bolt all the way if needed.
Rear shot.
All in all, about 3 hours into this project. Not pictured is the 3/16" x 6" x 12" plate I welded just below the tire on the vert member for the license plate. Will need to add a light, but simple enough to do that. I also welded a T-handle to the top bolt on the side plates, and welded it's corresponding nut to the opposite side plate. I also tack welded the hinge bolt to it's nut after I painted and final assembled it. Should help prevent the bolt from backing out being that it doesn't have a lot of torque on it so it will pivot smoothly.
Bring the hate.....
Built the main extender. the 2x2x3/16 tube extends inside the 2-1/2x2-1/2x3/16 tube 1". It is welded around the outside joint, as well as a 3/4" plug weld on each of the (4) sides.
sketch the side support plates and torch 'em out.
The difficult part to see here is where I mocked it all up and tacked the vert post to the side plates. Did this so I could match drill all the holes together to make sure they all line up perfectly. Ended up needing to dremel them out a bit after final welding, but it was quite minimal.
Next, cut the vert post to length. I had rough cut it previously, but it needed to be lowered a bit. Then I added the outer half of a Cherokee unit bearing. Didn't have a press to bust it apart, so out came the hot wrench again. Quick work, and it didn't mess up anything. Daughter thought it was cool picking up the ball bearings with the magnet too. Grind the proper miter on it, and weld it in place.
Final assembly.
With the tire mounted.
Wobbled around more in the hitch than I would have been able to live with, so I remedied that with a 9/16" hole, a 1/2" nut, some weld, and a 1/2" bolt. Bolt is tapered almost to a point. This ensures I don't mushroom out the threads when I torque it down, thus preventing me from removing the bolt all the way if needed.
Rear shot.
All in all, about 3 hours into this project. Not pictured is the 3/16" x 6" x 12" plate I welded just below the tire on the vert member for the license plate. Will need to add a light, but simple enough to do that. I also welded a T-handle to the top bolt on the side plates, and welded it's corresponding nut to the opposite side plate. I also tack welded the hinge bolt to it's nut after I painted and final assembled it. Should help prevent the bolt from backing out being that it doesn't have a lot of torque on it so it will pivot smoothly.
Bring the hate.....