Unable to Latch the Spare Tire Carrier

[DBStoots]

I've got everything back together on my rear spare tire carrier now that it has been powder coated, I've obtained new bushings, etc. and my hand has healed sufficiently. The latest challenge is getting it to properly latch. I replaced the latch striker sleeve, and installed the Desolate Motorsports Spare Tire Linkage Kit. For some reason, I just cannot get the carrier to latch securely. Here are some pic's. Can anyone offer suggestions for fixing this problem?

 

[ablediver]

That powder coating looks great! I'm jealous. I re-did mine with plain old Krylon and enough white grease to **** an elephant (don't go there...).
I found that replacement latch #2 wouldn't grab unless I slammed it . Well, you know that common sense dictates the longevity of that idea. So, what I found is that I would latch it and ever so gently lean my shoulder into it and will latch secure. I wonder if the powder coating may have added a thickness to the latch that prevents it from catching. You know, just like paint acts as a sealant in some cases? Could or could not be the case. Might be the opportunity to take a micrometer to the latch post (baseline) and measure the circumference of the jaws when latched closed --the variable difference. It may be a situation where fine tuning with a hand file may be necessary. Just my $.02

Ablediver out

 

[DBStoots]

That powder coating looks great! I'm jealous. I re-did mine with plain old Krylon and enough white grease to **** an elephant (don't go there...).
I found that replacement latch #2 wouldn't grab unless I slammed it . Well, you know that common sense dictates the longevity of that idea. So, what I found is that I would latch it and ever so gently lean my shoulder into it and will latch secure. I wonder if the powder coating may have added a thickness to the latch that prevents it from catching. You know, just like paint acts as a sealant in some cases? Could or could not be the case. Might be the opportunity to take a micrometer to the latch post (baseline) and measure the circumference of the jaws when latched closed --the variable difference. It may be a situation where fine tuning with a hand file may be necessary. Just my $.02

Ablediver out

Thanks. The mechanism just doesn't seem to open/close properly. Wondering if it could be related to the Desolate Motorsports Heavy Duty Spare Tire Carrier Linkage I installed?

 

[ablediver]

I'm not familiar with particular latching system. I'd check the measurements on the parts, new v. old. I'd bet there's a discrepancy there.

Ablediver out