"1. cutting the hinges off ... Turn upside down and re-weld"

Or, buy 2 sets of medium sized gate hinges and modify them (I used a simple
hacksaw) so your tray hinge-point is dropped 2". the new hinges bolt onto
the original hinge on the cross member, the other end of the new hinge bolts
onto the pan, lowering that end of the pan 2". No change to the
original/stock application in case it would ever need to be returned to
stock.

"4. Cut the front latch assembly, weld in an extension and reattach."

Or, get a 2" longer bolt and a sleeve shim to slip the bolt through. this
just drops the front 2" without doing any cutting. The new bolt goes through
the stock pan flange, through the sleeve shim and into the stock bolt or
threaded top end. The shim only acts like a spacer and can be eliminated if
you just want to tighten the front end of the pan until in pinches the tire.
I liked the shim sleeve because I could torque down pretty hard to be sure
that front stayed latched without putting pressure on the tire sidewall.

By the way, that was when I had 225/60 16's, using the stock spare carrier.
I can no longer do that due to larger 225/70 16's.

Just my $0.02

Bob Stevens
'87 Westy Syncro
http://groups.msn.com/BobsPhotoShare
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tiico

Brian,

This has allowed a Michelin LTX M&S LT215x75Rx15 to just barley fit
while fully inflated.

I believe this tire has a diameter of 27.7"
snip
1. cutting the hinges off ... Turn upside down and re-weld
2. Trim the back side tin of the carrier tray ... Straight across
3. Remove the rods and discard
4. Cut the front latch assembly, weld in an extension and reattach.
5. Relieve the frame where the back hinges attach with a grinder ...
Slightly.

I hope this info helps answer your question.

Larry Chase

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