16.5" Tires for spare underneath Gladiator

[red mistress]

I pulled out the tape measure last night and found that the largest tire that will fit in the factory spare tire holder is 29".

Running the BFG All-terrain 35" tire which measures +/- 33.5"

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...r/DSC00741.jpg

I'm running the 8 lug slots and 16.5" is the only size.
Yea I know no safety bead and more tire mfg. are discontinuing 16.5's.
But just had to have that old school look.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...r/P1000120.jpg

Questions:

1. Which size and/or tire for a spare? I checked BFG site and the smallest all terrain is 33" so proabably 31" mounted on 8" wheel.

2. Anyone used a winch, like the newer trucks, instead of the factory spare tire holder. Looks to be plenty of room. And I need to get spare tire underneath so can get exhaust made up, bed pulled and painted underneath. Link to a good write-up would be a blessing.

3. Is there a different year FSJ underneath spare tire holder that will take a larger tire?

4. If I have a flat on the 35" tires and install a 29" tire and drive (slowly/real carefully), will I have problems with rear locker? Which locker should I put in D60 with 4:11's?

I've got another Gladiator headache, that I knew was coming. And need to deal with it so I can move on to other problems ---ER,Ahh.... challenges.

Maybe by this time next year, (origionally thought I would surely be ready this year) I'll be packing up the slide in camper with a baby jeep in tow to Ouray.

[CustomWag]

I've seen a thread (or maybe two) by someone who used a spare winch off a F*rd ( I think) pickup. Can't remember who, what, when, where, why or how, but it looked like it worked pretty slick.

*edit: Here ya go Dennis:

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showt...ire+underb ed

[KaiserMan]

There should be room under the bed of a J300/j3000 for a 35" tire, why not just make a longer version of the factory carrier? It's a simple part. Or, find a facotry Jeep in bed spare tire mount. They started using them in the late 60's.