Has anyone corrected the spare tire crank access after lifting the rear bumper?

I am just encountering this is a problem trying to reinstall my spare

 

In the body lift instructions, they tell you that the only way to access the spare lifter is to remove the license plate.

 

Thanks, I must have missed that. Not quite sure how that is going to help me without drilling a hole

 

Use a 80's GM plate mount that flips up or down. Bam! Instant access

 

That will not work due to how the step of the bumper blocks the lower portion on the plate and will not allow it to fold down far enough

 

Put the spare in the bed.

 

Mount the flip down mount frame upside down so it will flip up. That should clear everything. You could use a spacer to sit on the step to hold the plate up while you access the spare tire.

Ford also had flip down plate mounts in the 70s and maybe some in the 80s. I know my 69 Fairlane Cobra has a flip down plate.

 

That will not work, since I use my truck as one and need the bed space


Nope, still will not work with the design of the OE bumper and the size of the plate. I'll just carry a screw driver

 

Then drill a nice big hole in the center of the plate. It seems that is you're only option here since it can't go in the bed

 

That what I did. Took the plate off and drilled a 1" hole 3" down from the original one in the bed