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Durability Of M38a1 Spare Tire Carrier

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by kenb, Dec 22, 2021.

  1. Dec 22, 2021
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
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    Jan 22, 2019
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    677
    Hello,
    I have a M38A1 that was stripped of military hardware by a previous owner. The rear of the tub appears to be a replacement as it doesn't have mounting holes for anything. I was considering installing a reproduction military spare tire carrier. I'm not sure about the durability of this style. Seems like a lot of weight to support with sheet metal. Does anyone have experience with these?
    Thanks,
    Ken
     
    kenb, Dec 22, 2021
    #1
  2. Dec 22, 2021
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Any braces on the inside of the panel?
     
    Glenn, Dec 22, 2021
    #2
  3. Dec 22, 2021
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
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    I haven't marked out the holes yet but it may catch the braces on the inside of the panel that go down to the floor. I'm not sure if that's the intent of the design.
     
    kenb, Dec 22, 2021
    #3
  4. Dec 22, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    In my experience, they are fine with an original tire and wheel in the original location. Add a big tire and they need reinforcement. It's the same tire carrier as was used with the solid back panel, which became optional for CJ-5s in 1973.
     
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2021
    timgr, Dec 22, 2021
    #4
  5. Dec 22, 2021
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    PeteL, Dec 22, 2021
    #5
  6. Dec 22, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    My '73 (back in '73) cracked between the solid rear panel and the body side panel. I would not expect any trouble with the bracket pulling through the panel or such. AFAIK there's no difference between these parts and the M38A1 parts. Doesn't the M38A1 spare mount off-center, with a jerry can beside it?
     
    timgr, Dec 22, 2021
    #6
  7. Dec 22, 2021
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
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    Yes, it's off center mount.
    M38A1-Body-Rear-View.jpg
    My tires are P225/75R15 so I don't think it's any heavier than a stock tire.
     
    kenb, Dec 22, 2021
    #7
  8. Dec 22, 2021
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    You say the rear panel looks to be a replacement, so it may not have the reinforcements as did the original. These were just hat channel, but you can fabricate them by welding sticks of 1" X 2" rectangular tubing inside the panel which would be stronger than original. I am sure you can find pictures of the inside of an original panel.
     
    Oldpappy, Dec 22, 2021
    #8
  9. Dec 22, 2021
    scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

    Seattle Wa.
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    Dec 17, 2002
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    My 33X12.5X15 tire has been bouncing around on my M38a1 for years now with no problems.
    I'm even missing the back support channel. I would suggest finding a military tire carrier. They are stronger.
    [​IMG]
     
    scott milliner, Dec 22, 2021
    #9
    Buildflycrash likes this.
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