I have a ZR2 with a tire carrier, I don't know if this has happend to anyone else but the weight of the tire is starting to rip the metal at the edge of the tail gate. It is running up from the top of the bumper to the taillight. What is the best method to fix it? I am thinking of moving tire to roof to avoid any further damage.

 

ive had the same problem with mine. i put mine on the roof now. i think its mostly from forgetting to close it properly and it swinging out when you take off. (mine anyway)

 

Can you post a picture of where it's tearing/breaking? Has it ever accidentally been left open or unlatched while driving like jackdough said?

As someone who put the carrier on a truck that didn't originally come with it, I think I'm more susceptible to damage so I want to make sure I pay close attention to any problem-areas.

You could put it on the roof or store it inside. Many 2 door blazers came with a bracket inside that bolts where the jack is and you could pull that from a junkyard. A spare tire really takes up a lot of room inside though

 

I have not had that happen, but seeing as my wife drives it mostly, I bet it has and she would never admit it to me. I will see if I can snap a pic at lunch. Its a ZR2, don't think the tire will fit inside on a stock bracket. I am was kicking around putting the tire on the roof but after I noticed the damage, I am going to do it. I really be that is what happened because the bottom body attachement point is slightly dented in. I really like the way my Jeeps tire carrier is on the bumper with builting stops, not to mention a bumper that has survived some encounters with rocks and trees.