In a message dated 3/31/05 8:52:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, jrunberg@mac.com
writes:

> 1) how do I get the rod out?
> 2) my carrier looks welded, not bolted, on. Am I wrong? Hinges seem to have
> a c-clip on them.
>
>

the springsteel rod that goes around your carrier's perimiter and acts as the
hinge pin just is there to keep the tire from bouncing around..which it
doesnt do anyway.
i removed mine and used bolts/nuts as the hinge pins.  its not welded in, its
just held in by tension.  use a face shield when removing it.. its under
tension.

why dont you just run a steel spare?  you can run alloys and steels
together..it doesnt matter.   99% of cars and trucks these days that run alloys have
steel spares.

chris