The original sidemount spare tire carrier on the right rear fender was long gone when I bought the Jeep. Reproduction spare tire carriers are available if desired.  However, the Jeep's parking spot in the garage is pretty tight.  A sidemount carrier would not work for me.  Another factor, and don't hate me for it, is I prefer the look of a rear mounted spare.

I bought this rear mounted carrier from a guy who was parting out a CJ3B.  The tailgate still operates like normal with this carrier.  Almost all of the tire's weight is supported by a bracket below the tailgate.  I have seen other rear mounted models, but most had the weight resting on the tailgate sheetmetal.

This picture shows the spare tire bolted up and ready to go.  With the kids in the back seat, I like the extra perceived protection in the event of a rear end collision.  It may not make much difference but the effect may be more psychological any way:

Here is a shot with the tire removed.  Note the bracket at the bottom which is mounted to the frame.  The bracket on the tailgate holds the carrier upright.  This tailgate came from the CJ3B so I didn't have to drill any extra holes.  Inside the large box area is a pivoting shaft that attaches to the tailgate bracket:

In this close-up of the bottom bracket, you can see how it attaches to the frame.  Those four bolts were used to secure the drawbar and optional pintle hook:

This picture shows the tailgate and carrier in mid travel.  Note how the link is moving:

This view shows the tailgate and carrier fully down.  Compare the link with the second picture on this page.  The two link arms are welded to a tube with a shaft passing through the middle.  The shaft is secured at each end with a cotter pin:

Here is the tire reinstalled with the tailgate down.  The Jeep can be driven like this, but all the weight is on the tailgate sheetmetal:

This is a side view back in the up position, showing how the carrier hugs the tailgate:

I wish I could claim credit for this baby.  I could find no identifying marks on it.  It looks to be professionally made but I am not sure.  Please let me know if you have ever seen another like it.

Fellow WillyTech Mailing List member John Worman designed and built his own ingenious version of a folding spare tire carrier.  Like the one I have, the tailgate does not support the tire's weight.  His spare tire carrier also incorporates a latching mechanism to hold the tailgate closed.  Don't forget to check out the rest of his website, too.