Today I started fabricating the angle iron bracket that will serve to stabilize both the tire and the tube that turns to lower and raise the tire. It’s drawn in here. The only difference will be that it will face backward so that it doesn’t catch and hold road spray from the Jeep.
The bracket had to be 45 inches long to fit inside the frame rails, and I drilled 3/8” holes 1/2” from each end.
Punch and drill bits used. The big one was 7/8” for the tube hole, but I had to work my way up with a 3/8”, 1/2”, and finally the 7/8”.
My workbench showing the bracket, drill, and jig saw I used.
Keeping the drill holes and the straight cuts well oiled and going at a slow speed are key for not ruining your bits & blades. High temperature dulls them and breaks them.
Final product with tube and 3/8” bolts in place to make sure they fit.
I had to grind out the tube hole a bit from the original 7/8” size to make it able to turn easily.
Bolt, washers, split washer, and nut, all stainless. I will be using thread locker on these when installing permanently.
The next steps are to degrease the bracket and then paint it to try and hold off the rust. A good prep prior to painting is the key to making it last longer.