Hey All,
Wondering if anyone has any advice, or experience with fixing/replacing the spare tire hoist, that holds and carries the spare under the truck, behind the rear axle? The other day my cable end came off due to corrosion, just snapped thru the cable, and dropped the spare. Luckily it was right as I turned out of my driveway onto the street, so no damage or threat to others, although I could only imagine what would have happened had that let loose while on the road at speed.

Seeing a new hoist is available for nearly $140. Seems like a lot, but after looking at the hoist under there, it does not appear that I would be able to re-build with new cable as I had hoped. Also, the mounting bolts are not both accessible from below, it looks as if I have to get at one of them from above, and take the bumper off, or at least the top portion of it, if that is removable.

I'd consider a rear exterior carrier, except for the fact that we seem to use the rear hatch A LOT. and having to swing that out of the way so often just seems like a pain.

Anyone have any guidance or thoughts as to how to fix or replace the hoist? Would like to hear your thoughts.
Thanks.

 

I converted over to the outside carrier on my 4 door and couldn't be happier. I had the same hesitation as you, being that I access the rear cargo 3/4 the time I drive the Blazer, that's usually why I drive it into town as apposed to my gas sipping 4 banger, the cargo area lol. But honestly it has not been that much of a hassle. So long as everything is aligned good when installed and the latch mechanism is in good shape and lubricated, it's super easy to pull the handle and unlatch and swing the tire out of the way, so it really hasn't been that much of an issue to me.

As for the original carrier under the truck, that is the exact reason mine is still under there lol. I just haven't bothered taking the time to pull it out because of the trouble you have to go through to get the darn thing out...

 

+1

I went the same route as red because of the same reason as you lol. Except mine broke when I was putting back after checking if it was any good(still had original spare at the time). I thought the wife would hate the fact that you lose some visibility out the rear window, but she even said it's not that bad at all, and prevent blinding from the idiot who ride you with higbeams... luckily I haven't had it interfer with my tent trailer jack yet, but I think it's because I'm still running stock size tires, anything wider and I would not be able to open the hatch fully with a trailer attached.

other then that, we couldn't be happier with the mod, and it's not as scary as some make it sound to install one, easier with 4 hands then 2, but doable none the less by yourself. Many of threads to read up on and follow/lead from.

 

The blind spot was another thing that had me hesitant about the outside carrier at first, but even with a 31" on it it's not too terribly bad. But over the years at work I've learned to reverse looking mainly at my side mirrors too, as the rear view mirror wasn't always an option... Between that and installing a backup camera, I hardly notice the tire back there lol

Another thing to consider with the rear mounted tire is how strict your local law enforcement possibly is on tag visibility. It may be less of an issue with a smaller factory size tire, but with my 31" it actually begins to obstruct the tag. I haven't had any issues with it as of yet (knock on wood) but it's something to keep in mind if you're putting an oversize tire on it. If you're worried about that, you might want to think about relocating the tag to either side of the bumper or actually on the spare wheel itself.

Because of my OCD it did cost me more too... had to get a matching wheel and tire for it...

 

The rear carrier does look awesome on your Blazer for sure. Seeing pictures made me really consider it, but I have not fully convinced myself. yet.
I'm not running that big of a tire, but having the spare come out, I did notice that it is not matching what I have mounted now. Guessing the Michelin is most likely the OE spare, although I have not looked for a date code on the tire yet.
I might have to read up on the install, see if I'm up to it or not.
Thanks for the replies. Further research did confirm that topside bolt access is the only way to get that old hoist out of there. Sounds like a lot of work in itself. Guess I'll be throwing a spare in the rear cargo area for a bit. . . .