LC200 Full Time 4WD and Undersized Spare

[chilibit]

This question has been raised in a number of threads. i have read them but I still don't understand the drive train setup well enough to launch into the mountains with a stock sized spare when my other four are 4 or 5% taller. Let's assume I need to put my spare on the ground. And that I have less than 100 miles to civilization and that the center differential is unlocked. Since there are no real axle lockers like my 80, I assume the differentialing action that let's you make a turn is invoked as I crawl back. The question then becomes can this go on for 100 miles or even 50. Or does this lead to heat build up issues? I assume that if I am somewhat crippled keeping the pace down is no imposition. Would that help matters? if I used the 200 seriously off road more the question would be moot. Get five identical and enjoy the peace of mind. But I don't. So i am seeking knowledgeable advice. Can I safely limp for 50 or more miles even on a hard surface? I don't anticipate continuing to press on over tough terrain as I expect that would tax the brake on the spare wheel position. I would likely seek a replacement tire of the correct size. If I carry two spares and match sizes on one axle that moves the differential action to the center. Worse or better?

TIA

 

[brussum]

Why do you have a different sized spare tire? All five of mine are the same size (as are the tires on my chaser trailer). Did you upsize your road tires but not your spare?

If it's that big of a worry of yours, then spend a few bucks for a fifth tire and eliminate the concern. Personally, I wouldn't drive too far with a mismatched wheel/tire. You might not do damage to drivetrain components, but it'll be pretty expensive if you do. A tire is a heckuva lot cheaper.

 

[bjowett]

Audi's with the T3 center (same as the 200) diff advise no more than a 3% difference. The real issue will probably lie with the wheel speed sensors. FWIW, the transfer case retails for close to $3k.

 

[TioChachie]

Awd or full time 4wd=matching spare that should probably be in the rotation schedule. What can you get away with on a land cruiser? Probably a lot, but you might be screwing the 3rd owner who buys this thing with 200k miles. I bet you would be fine, but I use a matching spare on my 80 and one day when I own a 200, I'll do the same with that vehicle. Will your bigger tires not fit in the stock spare location?

 

[chilibit]

Brian,

I started to call you frankly but decided to order a matching forged wheel and tire today just on principle. I looked at the T3 on the Torsen site and could not come to a conclusion. Mostly my ignorance. I frankly am most interested in the engineering implications which reinforce folklore--match the tires. And that is what I have done.

The somewhat larger 285/70 17 will fit comfortably in the under truck location as best I can measure. When I swap wheels in the winter I just swap the spare too.

Thanks to all for the feedback.

Ciao

Vince

 

[gaijin]

The somewhat larger 285/70 17 will fit comfortably in the under truck location as best I can measure. When I swap wheels in the winter I just swap the spare too.

Thanks to all for the feedback.

Ciao

Vince

The 285/70-17 tires will fit, I have them on mine. You will have to slightly modify the spare tire holder, however. Due to the smaller diameter center hole in the TRD forged wheels, the hanger part will not fit through the wheel. This is easily fixed by chopping off about an inch of the sleeve around the chain at the hanger with a Dremel tool or similar. It's easy to do and will become self-evident the first time you try to put away the spare. This modification does not affect in any way how the hanger fits on the stock wheels.

HTH

 

[chilibit]

Thank you Gaijin for the heads-up. The nominal size of an AT 285/70 17 is 32.8". Some (e.g. the Nitto EXO AWT) are a tad larger at 33." I have not chosen a tire quite yet but perhaps you have a notion as to whether the 33" will fit a stock truck on these wheels. The weight of the valve stem protector ring startled me. Must be a pound+ or so it seems. The forged wheels are nicely done. Many of your posts were helpful to me as I sought to build up this third set of wheels.

 

[chilibit]

Thank you Gaijin for the heads-up. The nominal size of an AT 285/70 17 is 32.8". Some (e.g. the Nitto EXO AWT) are a tad larger at 33." I have not chosen a tire quite yet but perhaps you have a notion as to whether the 33" will fit a stock truck on these wheels. The weight of the valve stem protector ring startled me. Must be a pound+ or so it seems. The forged wheels are nicely done. Many of your posts were helpful to me as I sought to build up this third set of wheels.

Edit: I found you said this from about 18 months back Gaijin: "I would be reluctant to recommend any tire larger than these (32.8) on a truck that has not been lifted (which, of course, Toyota does not recommend)." That is pretty plain. Thanks.

And the rings are two lbs each. I weighed them.