The under bed spare tire carrier on my '93 truck has just about rusted away. I want to buy a replacement (threaded rods and metal bar) but I'd rather not go to a dealer or a junk yard. Any suggestions?

 

I hate those things!!! I have removed them from every truck I have owned because they rust out, seize up, and won't hold a tire larger than the factory size. My spare has been riding in the bed since day 1, where it stays clean!!!

 

go to left column and find national parts depot. they have them.

 

Conanski...

you're right, they do suck, but if you use your truck as a truck, taking the tire out of the bed every time is also a PITA.

BTW, you can extend the depth of the tire carrier by cutting off the old pieces, and welding in 5/8" round stock to extend the length for wider tires.

Considering how mine (doesn't) fits, I imagine larger diameter tire within reason would fit also.

I still say the best tire carrier for the F-series is the full size bronco carrier. That reminds me, I need to install mine one of these days.

 

National Parts Depot will send you a free catalog with those parts and a lot of other good stuff. I just ripped all of that stuff off my 96 after I had to change a tire one morning before work. Someday if I ever decide to put it back I'll probably fabricate my own threaded rods that are about 2-in shorter, replace the seized/cross-threaded U-nuts and tack weld the center tire keeper bolt to keep it from spinning. Also some never-seize and a plastic grease-loaded cap on top of the threaded ends might be a good idea to help keep out all the crud and rust. They do keep the tire out of the way, but aren't very handy unless you have a flat/blowout in your driveway. In the mud/snow they would be a PITA. My 2 cents.

 

you can download a pdf version of the npd catalog from thier site.

 

I've got one on a parts truck. $20 plus shipping, rust free from Texas truck.