It's in my 68 Barracuda and the spare tire cover sits flat on the floor.
Note that earlier Cherokees had a 4.5 bolt pattern and matches my converted brakes. If your 71 has the original 4" B.P., this won't work for you.
Anyone with the SBP can use a skinny 14" X 4-1/2" wheel with a skinny tire and gain some room. Not a 70 series tire but the earlier 78 or 80 aspect tire. I consider my spare just for emergency use to get to a safe place at a slower speed.
