I was wondering if anyone has some advice as to how to "extend" the existing studs on a stock tailgate spare mount. I ask this because I have a 15X8 wheel with a 30X9.50-15 tire, the studs are not long enough to bolt the wheel to the tailgate.

I was thinking of finding a long sleeve to bolt to the existing studs, then using a piece of threaded rod, cut to fit the size I need, is this safe? Has anyone done this? Am I crazy for thinking this?

I don't have the dough right now for a fancy rear bumper with swing out tire carrier mount, nor do I have the skills needed to weld up something.

Thanks for any advice,
Norcal

That should work.  You might want to sleeve it with a larger tube as well just to make sure it doesn't break.

You might also look at just buying a single wheel spacer.  Just bolt it right up.

If you put an extra nut on as a spacer would you still have enough thread to mount the tire?

I thought about a spacer, but I don't think a 2" will be long enough, thats the widest I have found. Don't know what you mean by adding an extra nut as a spacer?

there is/was a company in Oklahoma that manufactured an extender bracket for the stock mount that allowed you to attach wider tires to the spare tire mount.

...(something) of Steel

Unfortunately, if you put too large of a tire there, the door starts to warp.

...(something) of Steel

Unfortunately, if you put too large of a tire there, the door starts to warp.

Designs of Steel?   http://www.designsofsteel.com/
They're on eBay as well. 

I bought ABS door panels from them. I did not find the extended tire mount on their website, but it's surely worth an email to ask.

The rear door and mount issues are worth exploring. I'm going to 30x9.5R15 tires soon and will have the same problem. 

If 2" isn't going to be enough then simply using a couple of nuts as a 1/4" or 1/2" spacer to help you clear the tire isn't going to help.  You would probably be better off just cutting the entire bracket in two and extending it up and out.

Like Ack said though, if you add to much you will probably start warping the door.

I received this reply from Designs of Steel:

"Thanks for your email.
We used to make a spare tire extension mount but we no longer do.
 Amy  <amy_at_designsofsteel.com>"
 
Found:
Another thread at: http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=8458.15
Another thread at: http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,25655.0.html 
Izook article: http://izook.com/reviews/dossparetire/dossparetire.htm

Old Webpage: http://www.designsofsteel.com/SpareTireExtensionMount.htm

In addition to the wheel spacer (great idea), a "CJ Spare Tire Relocater" might work. All CJ model Jeeps use the 5 on 5.5" lug pattern, as do Suzukis.

Just use some zip ties, I think you should be good to go!!!

Just use some zip ties, I think you should be good to go!!!

OhYeah! What was I thinking 

My grill is fastened securely in place with zip ties!  =)

I don't know about a wheel/tire though.  Maybe if you used like 100 of them.