2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What about the spare tire?

[BigMike]

I'm going to buy new tires soon. Had decided to go from 245's to at least 265's. Then I got thinking about the spare tire and will I need to replace it. I hate to buy the 5th tire to replace the spare. Can I get away with continuing to use a 245 for a spare or do I need to bite the bullet and buy five new tires?

 

[mberry]

You'll be fine with the 245 for a spare imho.

 

[kchristopher]

As you can see, I'm running 255s now. I had to use my spare for the first time last year. To avoid any problems with the sure-grip, I simply took a front tire and moved it to the rear (LR blow-out) and put the smaller tire on the front axle.

 

[CRSmith]

If you've got a limited slip diff in the rear, you will cause clutch wear by running differently sized tires.

 

[BV]

I personally wouldn't do it. Have you thought about putting a good used 265 on the spare rim?



Maybe someone (that went even bigger) on this site has a 265 spare tire that you could pick up cheap - Have you looked in the classifieds?

 

[BigMike]

Good idea BV. The thought crossed my mind. I wouldn't be surprised, knowing Les Schwab, that they'd throw a used tire in with the deal.



Another issue that I've identified is interference of the spare with my MagHytec cover. Even the 245's extend over the dif. cover. Doesn't look like it's ever rubbed on it. When I put a load on my truck, I use my air bags. That apparently gives me clearance. Suppose if I'm already ok, a larger spare won't make the situation any worse.



Thanks for all your replies.

 

[RClark]

Your spare is about 4 yeard old. If you haven't runit it will still deteriorate just setting there. If you keep it, have it checked thoroughly.

If you get 5 new tires, go to a 5 tire rotation.

 

[BigMike]

You may be right RClark, but when I looked at it the other day, it looked as good as new. Not sure how a five tire rotation would work. Assume you would put the spare on the rear each time. I know the front end of my truck is real sensitive to the tires. I tried Xcross rotation once and had to take it back and rotate back to front.

 

[RClark]

Rear tires to the front. RF to LR. LF to Spare, Spare to RR.

It doesn't really matter except-the rear tires have to go straight fwd. Set something up and stick to it.

 

[Ncostello]

Old Spare Tires

I was over at a friends house who owns an originally purchased 1978 F-150 Club Cab (absolute mint cond truck). His BF Goodrich spare (bed mounted) is the original tire that came with the truck. Its been used once for 8 miles. It looks like brand new and I'm sure it would perform well today. Unless they are in direct sunlight (UV) constantly, they shouldn't go deteriorate that quickly. Spares should be removed, cleaned, pressure checked, inspected and armor-all'ed once in a while to keep them in good shape. Just my opinion.

 

[RClark]

I knew there was a reason that i shouldn't have stayed in S. CAlifornia

 

[Tardog]

BigMike, Just buy 4 tires and use your original 245 as the spare, periodicaly check the pressure and as the other member said give it a cleaning and a good Armouraling. I've used a 15 year old spare with no problems. kchristopher's got it right, if you loose a rear tire just put the spare on a front and the front on the back. This will definately save the clutches if limited slip. Don't worry about the spare size as a 245 is only slightly smaller than the 265. Cheers