I flipped mine over (literally removed it and turned it 180 degree and remounted it. It fits great with Terra Firma rear bumper.

 

Of all the purchase options, I do like that one.

 

The amount of play differs. I have 265/75 R16. I can't fit them on the stock mount by dropping the bumper. I have a 2004 HSE.
Part of the problems with Discovery 2s is that a fix on one vehicle doesn't always work on another. Especially, if different countries are involved.

 

That's understood but it's still the first thing I would try before spending any money or flipping the mount around. Pending an aftermarket rear bumper this won't work at all.

 

I was in the process of saying the same thing (regarding the post about flipping the spare over). I will say I'm not sure it's "great" idea though. Having it secured on only one plane means it can wobble a bit, and my wheels weigh in at 80lbs a piece so I'm sure this method is adding some stress to the mounting points. These are 265/65-18s which measure about 31.5"

 

I have that spare carrier on my silver 1999 D2. I bought it directly from Devon 4X4. It was about the same price as Lucky8. That being said it fit a 275/70r18 spare. It did set it high in the rear window almost making it useless. Although you can still see out of it you are better off using the mirrors.

 

This method (below) is not recommended. I've seen it before, but there are some issues with the stock spare carriers cracking even when all three studs are being used. It adds more than just a little bit of stress, it adds a ton. You're greatly increasing your risk of the spare tearing off the carrier and going thru someone's windshield driving behind you.

 

As for flipping the carrier, I have done so twice and am about to do a third one. I've got up to 33" tires this way with minor bumper contact. I've personally never had an issue this way.

Personally not a fan of the plate because a) it's expensive, and b) by spacing the carrier out 1.5" or so, you are moving your weight further out and therefore adding more stress to the, frankly, already fragile stock carrier.

 

I am not clear on what I am seeing here? Is this the stock carrier, in the original configuration yet the tire is moved up and using only 2 bolts instead of 3?

 

Yes, not a good way to go about it.