I'm interested in putting a 285 on my 2nd gen 4Runner. I also want to put a full size spare on the rear much like the 1990 4Runners had. Ive seen the tiregate product that mounts to the hitch but im not sold on its rigidity. Any thoughts on using a tire carrier from the early 2nd gens? comments on the hitch gate carrier?

-Dru
'94 Yota 4Runner
3.0L Auto (Stock)
In the shop gettin a new gasket and install beefy procomp coils.

 

yeah go ahead and use a stock rear tire holder from the 90s toyotas they work great

 

I have a spare tire carrier on the back of mine.

You will most certainly need to find a rear gate, the latch mechanism, and the rack from a wrecking yard. The latch will NOT bolt up to a stock rear gate.

As for the rack itself, from what I know, there might be reinforcements inside the rear quarter panel, near the tail light, that you won't have. But I don't know for sure and perhaps someone with more knowledge of the rear sheet metal would know for sure.

Probably your easiest, but not necessarily cheapest, solution would be to replace your rear bumper with one that has a swivel type spare tire carrier on it. Something like these guys do http://www.armorology.com/photogallery/ITS/000_2900.JPG

 

on my tire carrier everytime i hit a bump it rattles and squeaks. i lke that bumper mounted idea. if there is an adjustment for my carrier let me know

 

I think tire carrier noise is common in older vehicles just from natural wear and tear which can result in some play in the carrier parts. Go to TIREGATE.COM to find the hitch mounted swing out carrier. they get pricey though, around 700.

 

CBI Off Road has a hitch mounted one that is will take up to a 35" tire for about $275. Also has a mount for license plate and high lift jack. I just bought a used one, advantage that I like is that I can use it on both my trucks.

Very stout (pictures from CBI's website) :

 

Wow, that's got to be the beefiest hitch mounted tire carrier I've ever seen.

 

I have a 35 on my spare rack and I have yet to experience the rattle/ squeaks that people are talking about. As for the mounting you will most certainly need the reinforcements on the quarter where it mounts there are some pretty stout ones on mine from the factory. The tailgate is differently different as well you will also need the move the back up lights and reinforce the tailgate where the rack clip go's also need the plastic piece that keeps the water out underneath the lip on top of where the rack clip mounts.

 

there is a way to stop the squeaking, as i did it on mine not too long ago. If you take off the spare you can adjust the 2 rubber bumpers by loosening off one of the nuts then screwing the bumper closer to the truck. It will hold the rack tighter against the truck.

 

EvergreenToy, if you want a good used one, i'm willing to swap ya for your tailgate.

 

Long time ago (pre "forums") there was someone who retofitted the OEM tail gate.

There ARE oem reinforcements in the rear body shell.
The person who did the project ordered the pieces and spot welded em in...