how big of a tire can fit on the spare rack without clearence issues?and can you mod the rack to accept a larger than stock tire?ie,redrill the mounting holes(on the rack itself)and add spacers to fit a wider tire.i'm only talking 1/4 to 1/2 inch in width and diameter.don't want to go to aftermarket swingout tire carrier yet.hopeing to get a LT285/75R 16 or even a LT305/70R 16 ?
I would say most 33's will fit stock ... Maybe 34s? it really varies by tire manufacturer, most 33's will fit. There are various spacers out there ....others with more knowledge of them can chime in.
i think you're right,i've been eyeballing the clearence with a tape measure and 33"diam with 11.5" (maybe) in width seems to be the limit without changing the stock setup. what kind of spacers are you refering to?
The stock mount is only in the door and nothing else. I have 33's on the back of mine and when I open the door there is a bit of sag. I think that Pit may have mounted a 34's on the door before he got the swing out set up.. I guess what I am getting at is you have to also consider the weight of the tire back there as well as the size. I am not exactly sure how the stock spare mount is attached to the door but I do not think it was designed to hold anything else other that a stock tire..
It may even be in the door skin.
Also consider the abuse of being on the trail and all the bumps and and bouncing that will happen..
BOttom line is 33 will be ok, but anything bigger you may want to look at a rear swing out.
I have a 285/70/17 on there now with stock rims, is it true, that when I go to a -12mm rim, it should stick out more? I ask because I use a hitch mount, shelf style bike rack and as it is, I can barely fit the inner bike in between the bike rack post and spare.