2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission how much size difference in tires is ok?

[brandonwhite]

I was wondering how much difference in tire size you can get by with. All my tires on the ground match but I was thinking about a slighty smaller spare. I don't want to burn up a diff or anything but it would sure be nice if I could carry a slighty smaller spare.

 

[SOOT]

Stay the same size as whats on the ground. Smaller would be okay at less than 25 mph for no more than 2-3 miles anything more and you risk doing damage to the diff, because of the tires traveling at different speeds.

 

[Dieselnerd]

It can be a problem if you have a limited slip differential because you'll put a lot of wear on the clutches. Even if you have a rear flat with a limited slip you can get by with mounting the spare on the front. An open differential won't be damaged by 2 different size tires as long as you get your flat fixed in a reasonable time.

 

[jlhartak]

Dieselnerd has it right, run the spare on the front and don't use 4 wheel drive. I doubt you can mount a 35"er under the bed and still have a exhaust pipe? A lot of us off roader types carry a undersize spare, not much room in them Jeeps, FJs and such.

 

[Dane]

Just make sure you run the spare on the front. Means changing two tires if you get a flat on the rear The 4wd system does not care about the front tire size difference in 4x4 mode unless you have installed a locker or LS up front.