Smittybilt spare relo bracket bump stops

[Rufus]

I recently upgraded the tires on my Sport (on Moab wheels) to 295/70R17 and got the Smittybilt relo bracket.

After installing it I tighten the lugs but the bump stops compress and compress, it doesn’t feel like it’s really tightening up against the carrier. I’ve attached a picture (yes I see the grommet for the wiring is loose).

Are the stock bump stops simply too long for this setup?

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[limeade]

While I don't have this carrier, it is very important for the rear sidewall to compress those bumpers. This is what keeps the tire from shaking and rattling, which could lead to premature fatigue of the tailgate and/or hinges.

I would look very closely to see if the backside of the wheel hub is against the tire carrier mounting surface. If it is and you can get the lug nuts tight, I think it is perfectly fine to have those bumpers compressed. From your pictures, it doesn't look like they're compressed too much.

The torque spec for the spare tire carrier lug nuts isn't the same as the wheels mounted on the axles. The tire carrier lug nuts are torqued to 59 ft. lbs. Any more than that and you risk snapping one of the studs.

 

[Rufus]

While I don't have this carrier, it is very important for the rear sidewall to compress those bumpers. This is what keeps the tire from shaking and rattling, which could lead to premature fatigue of the tailgate and/or hinges.

I would look very closely to see if the backside of the wheel hub is against the tire carrier mounting surface. If it is and you can get the lug nuts tight, I think it is perfectly fine to have those bumpers compressed. From your pictures, it doesn't look like they're compressed too much.

The torque spec for the spare tire carrier lug nuts isn't the same as the wheels mounted on the axles. The tire carrier lug nuts are torqued to 59 ft. lbs. Any more than that and you risk snapping one of the studs.

Thank you very much. I will check the hub for contact. Do you happen to have a picture of what a compressed bumpstop looks like when the lugs are under 59 ft/lb?

 

[limeade]

Here's mine. My tire carrier is adjustable in/out and up/down. I could adjust it more "in" to get more bumper compression, but the spare doesn't shake or rattle at all.

 

[Rufus]

Here's mine. My tire carrier is adjustable in/out and up/down. I could adjust it more "in" to get more bumper compression, but the spare doesn't shake or rattle at all.

Very helpful, thank you. Looks like mine is compressed more than yours but I will try tightening mine further.

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