I've been looking through a couple of build threads concerning a bumper mounted spare tire carrier and since I can't find an aftermarket carrier that I can afford or like the looks of I'll be building my own. It seems that the weak point is where the carrier mounts to the bumper (usually some bearing or bolt or something as a pivot point) and since I don't want to have to replace bearings every year if I can help it I was wondering if I could use a poly spring bushing for the pivot point. Thoughts?

I need to move my spare from the factory location so I can install an aux fuel tank and some custom (read home made) armor to protect it.

Thanks folks.

 

How about a wheel bearing? The old style (like on a 91 toyota pickup). They are pretty durable. You would have to find some way to mount it to the bumper, but if you make a custom bumper you could design the mount into the bumper.

I saw a hummer H2 at hertz the other day and they have a pretty tough looking setup. You might try a design like that as well.

 

a chunk of 'uhmw' plastic could be fashioned into a type of bushing/bearing. they are durable and self lubricating, if the chunk you get is big enough, you can make a couple spares.

lee

 

Umm... how about forming a rollerblade wheel into a bushing?