Project Double-Duty TJ

Our Jeep gets a Custom Rear Bumper & Tire Carrier

Here's our new rear section. The rear bumper is made from 2"x4" Steel tubing, 1/4" thick. The side pieces are also made from2"x4" tubing that was cut down and rewelded to fit inside the existing frame rails. A piece of 4" angle iron is welded inside the new side pieces to provide strength across the rear of the factory frame. Everything is welded and gusseted.

We added a flush mount receiver for our recovery shackle too. Plenty beefy.

Here's our custom tire carrier nearing completion. It mounts on top of the lid of our new gas tank enclosure. The tire carrier hinges up and back to allow access to our toolbox. It also makes removing that big tire much easier!

Since we no longer needed our Rubicon Express rear long arms, we cut the ends off of the rear uppers and used them for the hinge joints. RE 3" front bumpstops fit nicely on the front of our tire carrier to keep it level with the rear. This allows our 40" spare tire to fit just over the closed tailgate. We'll weld latches on the sides to hold it all down and then send the carrier over to be Armacoated.

Here's our lid and spare tire mounts bolted in place. The 2nd pic shows the completed unit. The lid, T-handle and carrier have all been Armacoated, and the mounts were powdercoated to match our roll cage.

Here's a side shot with our new spare tire carrier installed.

Project Double Duty TJ is really starting to take shape...