Quick tire replacement question

[jwh2m]

Couldn't find this info in the archives, so:

1989 very stock 62, stock wheels. Currently spare is in the underneath location. I am getting new tires, and looking at 31s (BFG KO2 or maybe Goodyear duratrac).
2 questions:

I assume it is no good to have the stock size on the spare. Is that true?

Will the tire fit in the stock under-the-tank location if it's 31"?

It gets complicated if I am not just upping the size, but also losing the stock spare location. You might imagine. Thanks in advance!

 

[portlandcruiser]

I just installed a BFG KO2 in the 33 x 10.5 size on the stock rim as a spare and it fit fine underneath.

As a side note, the installer at Costco said the tires were difficult to balance and took a lot of weight to get right. He said it was because my stock wheels were off from years of use. After hearing that, I realized that I should have considered new wheels and maybe in a 16" size. It would have been a good time to make that change.

 

[jwh2m]

That helps, thanks!

 

[gregnash]

Stock size of the tires (235/75r15) is about 28", so upping to a 31" and keeping the spare at the stock size would not be a HUGE disadvantage as long as you don't plan to run the spare for extended periods. However, the 31" will fit in the spare location, think some have even squeezed a 33" in there.

 

[gregnash]

On a side note.... Do your research on the tires to ensure that you NEED something that aggressive and that you will utilize. Duratracs are great but main complaint from people is they wear out quickly (have heard as low as 30k miles or less). The KO2s are a different story, I know people love them but I have not had good luck with BFG tires, take a look in the Tires and Wheels forum and you will see some comments on the new KO2s not turning out so well. I have personally found that Cooper tires are great but there are other good tires too just depends on your budget.

 

[jwh2m]

Greg, would that be hard on the differential? Or is a short trip to a tire shop not going to make a difference?

 

[jwh2m]

Do your research on the tires to ensure that you NEED something that aggressive and that you will utilize. Duratracs are great but main complaint from people is they wear out quickly (have heard as low as 30k miles or less). The KO2s are a different story, I know people love them but I have not had good luck with BFG tires, take a look in the Tires and Wheels forum and you will see some comments on the new KO2s not turning out so well.

You are correct, I meant the Wrangler AT Adventure w/ kevlar, not the Duratrac. I do want a tread warranty if possible. I have a very convenient Goodyear shop that does good work in the past for me, so I feel compelled to check them out.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Greg, would that be hard on the differential? Or is a short trip to a tire shop not going to make a difference?

Move the odd sized tire to the front, if it's a concern. Shouldn't be a problem though, for a short trip. I run 31's, with a 31" spare tire in stock location.

 

[jwh2m]

Wow, you guys are, as always, the best. I wish I had more experience and mechanical knowledge to contribute. Instead I lurk and bought a star. Much appreciated! This saves me a fifth tire and install.

 

[gregnash]

Wow, you guys are, as always, the best. I wish I had more experience and mechanical knowledge to contribute. Instead I lurk and bought a star. Much appreciated! This saves me a fifth tire and install.

Eh really depends, short trip should not be an issue but like @89GASHOG said, if you have to do more than say 10 miles at more than normal city street speeds (not over 35mph) then I would say move it to the front. As for the knowledge, dude we all start somewhere with little to no knowledge and have to learn. I started out here about 4yrs ago looking for info on 60s and what to look for. My mechanical knowledge at that point had been normal oil changes, tire rotation and the odd t-stat change ONCE a very long time ago with my dad. Since purchasing BeBe I have made a number of mistakes, done things multiple times and what not but in the end I have learned, researched and REMEMBERED lots so I try to spread the knowledge that I have learned here and "pay it forward" as much as I can. Best thing to realize is you will always be learning so treat it as such!

 

[Super77]

As a couple others have pointed out, if you move the odd size tire to the front, it won't be a problem, ASSUMING the hubs are not locked and you're in 2WD. Drive trains don't like it when their opposite sides rotate at different rates for a long time, even though it happens all the time when you're going in anything but a straight line.

 

[jwh2m]

Went with the 31" Goodyear Wrangler All Terrain Adventurer with Kevlar bead, mostly because I couldn't find a tire with a longer name. Goodyear dealer (convenient, always very helpful and willing to take on odd issues), was willing to mount the non-stock size tire. They even checked out my spare, which is stock size and in good shape. The old set was really bad, based on how good it feels right now- I was approaching Fred Sanford levels of wobble from flat spotting, and the grip and noise level are great. Mile zero, mind you, but good so far. I had to do a quick check and leave the dealer when they were finished, but does anyone know how the pressures should be set for a 31"? They feel good, but I know the rears usually need more pressure. These fill out the fenders way better than the stock size, and a functional 1 1/2" lift is pretty cool as well.