19mike92

There is a peice that goes directly over where the spare tire (used) to go. It is bolted between the 2 rear crossmembers in the frame. Mines rotten and in 2 peices. Does it have a structural purpose othe than the spare or can I take it off and forget about it?

Jim5870

I run my truck with no spare tire or carrier.
Its not a problem. the piece on the top is just for the tire to sit against

19mike92

Thought so but just thought if double check

thrashingcows

Personally I would want it there. In my opinion it helps stabilize the rear section of the frame, especially if you have a frame mounted trailer hitch.

I know I have seen one for sale on E-bay recently. I would replace it myself.

jimbo486

Nothing structural in my opinion. Although, now it serves as a mounting point for my trio of air horns.

19mike92

I like the horn idea. Maybe I'll build one just in case

NJTman

Not to drift the thread much...


Does anyone know how that funny shaped J-hook attaches at the rear passenger side of the frame? when a hitch is attached as well?

I cannot remember how the bolt / hanger / candy cane threaded thing worked on there, now that I have my hitch cleaned, painted and back on. The hitch covers all the holes in the bottom section of the c-channel frame at the rear.


Darn, I really hate getting old... Can't remember anything.

mknittle

There has to be a hole to stick it in. If the hole is covered up there is no place to stick it in.

NJTman

Thanks Captain Obvious......


Now how do I go about fastening the bent candycane threaded rod to the frame ?

Maybe I'll just hang it over the hitch siderail...

jimbo486

mknittle

HeHeHe

Jim Lane

When you have a Class-IV or V frame hitch you have to modify the tire carrier or it will not work as intended.

I cut the corner off the carrier so the cane bolt can be used in its original position.

After I figured it out I found the instructions on a hitch website but I will have to remember where that is.

http://www.draw-tite.com/products/tr...UeVLgj0BqFCTUc

Jim