74 CJ5 Cross Member Mod, Tire/Jack Carrier
I needed to fab a carrier for my HL Jack and a Spare Tire. Although I was lucky-rear seciton of my frame was very solid, the rear cross member would not hold a 48lb spare, and a 28 lb HL Jack. I braced the rear of the frame and cut out the factory rear cross member. In its place went a 3/16 x 2"flat, with 6" "ears, that went up the ibside frame channel. I welded that in place. I also added "ears" to the left/right side of the frame-welded tot he frame (3/16" as well) Across the rear of the frame and welded to the new cross member, a 1/4" x3" steel channel. it covers the outside ears as well. I then modified my rear bumper by drilling a 1" hole in the right side, and, welding the 1" solid round bar to the bottom inside of the bumper, and, up each side (inside). The bar sticks out about 6". I looked at quite a few "A" shape tire/jack carriers. I ended up using 11/2" by 3" rectangle tubing (1/8" wall), welded into a "T". Right side has 1" ID brass bushing pressed into some 1 1/8" round stock. No "wobble", nice solid fit. on the left side I welded a 1/2" spacer and a 5/8" nut welded insidto secure a 5/8" bolt that will be the "latch". The "T" has a 5/8" bolt that goes through the T and tightens to the top of the bumper. Everything is tight and very solid-minimal movement!. The bumper is attached to the new cross member with 2 3/8 grade 8 bolts on each side, and 2 -1/2" bolts-one on either side of the recever.
