How wide is a Jeep TJ tailgate?
CJ, YJ and TJ tailgates are 36" wide. YJ and TJ tailgates open to the side; the tub side base of TJ hinges is too wide to fit on the M416 but it may be that the base of YJ hinges could fit.
He said that the Jeep tailgate is designed to carry up to 200 lbs. of weight and that I will be fine with the 35 inch spare tire as long as it is well secured and mounted tightly.
My $12 Jeep Tailgate Table build - Do it yourself with stuff in the garage ...
It's just worth noting that NO vehicles with hatches/tailgates (that I know of, anyway) can be opened from the inside without modification. Yukons, Civics, Pathfinders, etc. etc. So it's not a "problem" with the Wrangler.
The factory tire carrier of a Jeep Wrangler is designed to carry a maximum weight of 50 lbs. under normal to light trail conditions. Exceeding that weight limit or taking the Jeep into harsher terrain could cause damage to the tire carrier or even the tailgate itself.
I can't speak conclusively for the older models, but I just discovered a note in the operators manual on my 2016 that specifically says the carrier is rated for a max gross weight of 85 lbs, including the spare.
MOPAR Tailgate Table Installation - YouTube
Fold down the seats and open the tailgate from the inside. Most cars have an emergency release on the tailgate. This can usually be operated with a screwdriver. With some models, you can simply remove a small cover in the tailgate and trigger the cable manually.
Jeep Wrangler - HOW TO OPEN TRUNK - YouTube
Step 1: Slide the lever to the unlock position on each side of the soft top. Step 2: At the rear of the Jeep, grab the soft top material and push it upward onto the top of the Wrangler to allow it to slide along the guide track and lock.