Weight of spare tire pulls 1/4 panel

[Travis W]

I have a 1981 Bronco. I just noticed when the spare tire rack is closed, it pulls the top right of the quarter panel (bed) against the top right corner of the lift gate. The gap goes back to normal when I swing the spare tire rack open, but the gap closes and touched when closed. I need to resolve before I get a new paint job as this will surely chip the paint. I’ve removed the spare tire rack getting ready to paint the Bronco and the gap is normal. But want to reinstall, of course.

Any advice?

 

[Tiha]

That is kind of just what you get with a swing away carrier, but you can adjust the latch on the gate up, so it takes the weight and doesn't pull the 1/4 panel.