[mikeumkc]

I just got this CJ and it did not have the tire carrier installed, just had it sitting in the back. It has all the brackets and everything on the body, ready to go. I just have to bolt it on the hinges.

My question is, what kind of bolts do I need to use? Anything specific to make sure it swings ok?

[only in a jeep cj]

The OEM bolts are a bit different than the common hardware store bolts as in they have a wider than normal shoulder that extends down through the brackets. Although any bolt will do, if not the correct fit, the vibration and movement will elongate the holes and the rack will rattle a lot. Body stress cracks could also form as a result of the rack moving around.
After 200 thousand miles, mine was loose and the holes slightly ovaled, I redrilled one size up and used a set of bolts out of a YJ that had the shoulder length I needed. Then I measured and cut off the extra.

OEM bolt

New bolt before I cut it.

[keith460]

Factory OEM bolts are 7/16-14 x 2-1/4"L but are special because the length of shank part of the bolt is 1-3/4"L so the threaded portion is not through the hinge bracket. You could purchase 7/16-14 x 3"L bolts and cut off the excess threads since the shank part of those bolts @ 1-3/4" are long enough to pass through the hinge bracket.

I was able to find 7/16 diameter S.S. Shoulder bolts like 20 years ago for mine and they work great and won't rust. Photo below is what I use.

[mikeumkc]

thank you so much guys. I'll head to the hardware store and see what I can find.