I just picked up a 1987 Bronco II, and one of the projects I want to tackle right away is the latch for the spare tire,(external swing arm style.). The spot where the Bracket attaches to the tailgate needs to be reinforced, it shows signs of heavy fatigue and looks like it's just going to rip right off. The fiberglass around the bracket has cracked and buckled. The tire slams around when I go over even small frost eves and washboards. I thought of just making a oversized backing plate and welding it to the existing hardware, but is this really the best way to go? I would love any suggestions.

 

Hi Hitch,,well I took mine off completely since I couldn't see carrying around my spare and the holder etc. mine is cracked too around where it bolts to the tailgate which is fibre-glass. I have brand new tires on my BII anyway. do you have the roof rack like I got for the spare? what you quote would look like it'd be okay tho. or maybe find a good 1 at junkyards. go fer it!!

 

So some random guy in a parking lot said to stick a 2x4 inside the rear door to reinforce the mounting bracket for the spare. Anyone try this? I'm temped as I would like to keep the tire back there, and this sounds cheap and quick.

 

Ya, a roof rack would be bad-***. But I'm worried about being top heavy. Is this a problem at all for you?

 

If you want to take up less space in your rear hatch for a reinforcement, you could apply a fiberglass patch with maybe some 1/8" aluminum sheet over that to back up the fasteners. Also, the metal stops that the swing out latches against will always rattle and bounce until you put a piece of heater hose over it. I use a piece and secure it with a tie wrap. it stops the rattle and back and forth slams.

 

Actually, my buddy gave me a small but nice piece of 1/8 aluminum checker plate! That will look pretty scookum. And I love the hose mode. That is so going to happen. There was a nylon sleeve there but it busted off recently. Now to just replace those horrible valve heads. Thank you so much fl1a, this is going to safe me some aggravation.