Max weight on stock carrier?

Your right about a YJ tailgate not being strong enough for a full size spare(it will bend in your tailgate like it's been hit after awhile), this is why they make so many aftermarket swing away "bumper mounted" tire carriers.
I have seen steel reinforcements for the hinges, i can't remember who makes it.but you can see one at http://autoaccessory.site.yahoo.net/autoaccessory/tailreinhin.html

I added some 3/16 flat bar stock between the factory mount and the tailgate to kind of shore it up and a kind of bump stop mounted between the bumper and the tailgate, it seems to be working pretty good.(i attached a poor pic)

3/4tonYJ
My Jeep Page

That bumpstop is a really good idea. I really don't want a swing-away if I can help it. BTW, I checked out yer site; that is one sweet piece of machinery.

TXJeepr
94YJ w/SOA, 4:11, BFG 33's and a /wwwthreads_images/icons/shocked.gif4-banger