M38 Spare tire mounting

usmcdad · Post by **usmcdad** » Wed May 30, 2012 4:35 pm

Hello Everyone, I have just spent a lovely couple of hours searching for a clue on mounting my new spare tire carrier to my new tail gate, without any luck. I'm sure you understand about "asking for directions". I've looked for articles, pictures, FM's, downloads and evidently I'm the only one who doesn't know where to drill. I originally thought it would be kind of like a horse shoe, not a lot could go wrong with it, but here I am exposing my flank and asking for help. Apparently I will need some spacers and I don't see how to engage what I assume to be an anti rattle clip on the bottom of the mount. If anyone could head me in the right direction I will appreciate it. Thanks

Post by **wesk** » Wed May 30, 2012 11:10 pm

If your new tailgate is not drilled what model jeep tailgate is it? The M38 tailgate is factory drilled and reinforced on the inside for the spare carrier and the gas can. Civvy tailgates are not drilled and do not have the reinforcement angles welded to the inside of the tailgate.

This is the inside of a M38 tailgate.

usmcdad · Post by **usmcdad** » Thu May 31, 2012 9:20 am

Hey there Wesk, Thanks for the assistence. I must admit I am still learning to manuever around this site. I knew the info was here but couldn't quite get at it. This might have a place in the data base - Evidently there is a third alternative to my tail gate situation. I have what must be an after market M38 tail gate (all the braces in the right place) and NO mounting holes. I picked it up in 1978 from some catalog operation as that was all there was at that time. I had a swing away dual Jerry can/spare holder back then so the hole drilling never came up. Thanks Again. I'm going to get on the links you posted and hit the shop.

RickC · Post by **RickC** » Thu May 31, 2012 10:39 am

I believe Midwest sells the spacers...
as a side note, I had a veteran tell me at a show that they lost points on inspection if the valve stem wasn't at 1 o'clock when the spare was mounted.... who knew

usmcdad · Post by **usmcdad** » Thu May 31, 2012 10:51 am

Thanks Rick, I'll check out Midwest for the spacers - as soon as I figure out how to drill two SQUARE holes

Rick_L · Post by **Rick_L** » Thu May 31, 2012 11:02 am

Last I checked, DL Bensinger had NOS M38 tailgates.

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Thu May 31, 2012 11:54 am

If you aren't kidding about the square hole thing, its easy. drill a round hole then use a square file to knock out the corners.

Im glad I'll never have to worry about having my valve stem at 1300.

Kendall · Post by **Kendall** » Thu May 31, 2012 7:41 pm

Not to sidetrack this thread, but there was a something in PS Magazine that stated the valve stem be in the 1 o'clock position to prevent water from accumulating around it if mounted in a lower position.
Kendall

M38 Spare tire mounting

M38 Spare tire mounting

tail gate help

tail gate mounting

Valve stem placement