New Rear Bumper - Tailgate Barely Closes

[superdude]

Yesterday, I finished installing Cavfab's Micro Bumper. It went on easy and I love the look, but the tailgate will not close completely or without force. The bottom of the spare tire gets caught on the bumper, as the Cavfab bumper doesn't have a cutout/notch on top for the tire. Does anyone know if the stock Rubicon tire carrier might solve my problem? I have 33" tires. Could adding spacers be a solution?

Thank you

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[mferrara91]

You might want to look at something like this:

https://www.quadratec.com/p/rough-c...mOmVpLcoHdki6HQGStdtbQcbZl9PC6UUaAsv5EALw_wcB

 

[rubiRI77]

You could probably get away with a relocation plate like the rough country one (the one made for jeeps with rear proximity sensors because it sits higher) This did work for my set up which is the rockhard 4x4 bumper (also without tire cutout)
Although one of the best solutions, and what I switched to, is the Rustys Offroad tire carrier/hinge replacement. That will fit no problem and is stronger than stock.
It is not cheap, and kind of a tricky install, but you get what you paid for, and you won't regret it. Mine works better than stock now. It is a really nice piece.
btw - the Teraflex Alpha tire carrier does NOT work with bumpers that don't have the tire cutout. Ask me how I know haha.

 

[GATORB8]

If you don't have a hitch to catch a shelf I'd get that spare up high and tight so you don't clip it coming off a shelf.

 

[superdude]

I do have a hitch. I don't know how much "shelf catching" I'll be doing, just moderate trails lol, but my main concern is having the gate close without issue. The Rough Country plate seems like the answer, unless somebody else can recommend a fix with spacers/washers.

 

[GATORB8]

I do have a hitch. I don't know how much "shelf catching" I'll be doing, just moderate trails lol, but my main concern is having the gate close without issue. The Rough Country plate seems like the answer, unless somebody else can recommend a fix with spacers/washers.

Note, RC has two versions with different offset heights. I want to say the non sensor one is like 2” and the sensor one is like 4”.

 

[Astro Jeep]

I just installed Metalcloak's "Full Width Rear Bumper, and experienced the same thing as the OP today. Spacer seems the way to go until I go 37s.

 

[superdude]

Thanks for the help guys. I ended up ordering the rough country bracket that claims to move it up 4". I'll let you know how it works out.

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