I just bought my 2002 used Liberty a few months ago and absolutely love it. My friend, whom I bought it from, said that he was eventually going to replace the bracket that holds the spare tire to the rear gate. Here in Canada, it takes no time with rain, snow and salt in the Winter, for rust to start around the bolts of the bracket. Does anyone know how big of a job it is to change the bracket? It is not major rusted, nor is there any of those hideous rolling rust stains that are visible to the eye, looking from the rear of the Jeep. I just don't want it to come to this. Can anyone offer some suggestions. If it is feasable to eventually take it off and replace it, or should I just coat the bolts and bracket with rust proof oil, etc. Any help would be appreciated, being a Jeep newbie and all. Thanks!!

Jeepbeat,
The spare tire bracket is attached just like the spare tire is, with lugs. Use a 3/4 lug wrench to free the nut. You'll still have the lugs sticking out of the door along with the backing bracket. (unless you over tighten those bracket lugnuts and then the lug will back out when you unscrew the bolt). Some guys have taken the whole thing off and had the holes filled or found plastic plugs to fill them. Havent'seen any rust on mine after 5 years, though i'm in a dry state and dont have to see that much snow and salt.

later,
mike

I take mine off every six months or so and wash it good, coat of wax and so far no rust, if you have rust now I would touch up the rusty spots and do the same clean it good every spring / fall, you can screw the bolts out of the tailgate and have a "shaved gate "

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MUDD'S MOTORSPORT'S We do IFS lift installs ,
03 OVERLAND EDITION /Kilby-Skidrow-Mopar-4XGuard skids/ 2.5 inch TOTAL CONTROL JBA coilovers -JBA Arms/MOABS-31 FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W / 4.10's etc, 04 Kilimanjaro Edition loaded, plus 05 KJ limited

I havn't used either of these products but have seen them used on SPKE TV, HORSEPOWER. They are used for two diferent anti-rust applications but just might be the ticket for what you are looking for.
Check out:

http://www.zerorust.com/ or
http://www.picklex20.com/

Hope this steers you in the direction your looking for


LEAD FOLLOW or GET OUT OF THE WAY

Thanks guys, I will use your suggestions and see what I can do.