Looking to remove my outside rear tire spare carrier. I would like to leave the actual tow hooks in place though. I want to take just the arm off while leaving the rest of the assembly on the vehicle. (tow hooks)

What do I need to do?

Thanks

 

1. Remove the spare
2. Losen and unbolt the passenger tow hook, you way want to have the wife or buddy help once the tow hook bolts are out the major part of the carrier will fall away. (like 75 lb.)
3. Losen and unbolt the drivers side hook and remove the small latch section.
4. Depending on if your truck came factory with the rear tire carrier from the factory will determine your next move. The trucks that had factory installed carriers will not be equipped with license lights. The trucks that someone added on the carrier will more then likely need the license plate bulbs reinstalled.

 

I'm wanting to keep the tow hooks in place though. I've seen people basically lift the swing arm out of the passenger tow hook while leaving the tow hook in place in the bumper. How do you do this??

 

After your remove the tire carrier, you bolt your tow hooks back on.

 

After you remove the spare carrier you will see that the hooks are separate and go right back in the same spots.

 

I haven't looked yet, but where will you need to dis-connect the wiring that goes for the bulb on the license plate! my 03' didn't have one but the 08' came with it from the factory & I was just wondering! thanks!

 

the lic. plate light wire runs out the bumper & along the carrier to the center of the spare tire, I just unclipped the wire ties & bundled up the wire behind the plastic bumper cover... the newer style carriers the tow hooks are part of the assembly, unlike the '03 which you could reuse the hook without the carrier on.. & if you have an SUT like me, you need to figure out a new place to mount your licence plate & rig up the light some how

 

Thanks Thunder Cat, Nice Looking Ride by the way! I Don't have the SUT but mine has a place to put the license plate on the back of the Hatch, just need to get the accessories to do it!