Spare tire slightly Smaller and the GX Diff type. (6 Viewers)

[co4wheel]

So I know the center diff is a Torsen. I have no idea if my GX470 has a LSD on the rear. Lets say I have 4 265/70-17 on the truck and I need to go to the spare that is a 265/65-17. With a open differential on that axle I would assume I am ok. But with a LSD I know this would be bad. Whats the deal. I guess I just don't want to buy 5 tires at this slightly taller size.

 

[coldwiz]

GX 470's weren't available with rear LSD's from the factory. A PO could have added one I guess.

 

[GXO]

not having a full sized spare offroad is never a good idea. Match them up for a few bucks and no worries.

 

[TahoeLX450]

I agree with matching the spare especially if going up a size or more. Also, rotating 5 tires will get you more wear all around. That said, given the difference between a 65 and a 70 series tire in basically the same size, 265, is not very much rotational difference...IMO. If the spare is only used for an emergency to get you to a nearby repair shop it probably wouldn't hurt much.

My Cayenne, also a 4x4, has OEM spare that is a small doughnut and significantly smaller than the OEM tires; and the manual advises not to drive more than a 100 miles. So, I can't imagine a slightly different size tire would hurt for 10-30 miles to get repaired. The tires are constantly turning at different rotation rates every time you turn if the axle isn't a locker. Just my thoughts. You might want to check with a gear / transfer case guy to be sure.

Personally, my current spare is OEM size and my new four tires are about an inch taller. I DO intend to get the 5th matching tire when it's time for a tire rotation. Honestly, I have not had a auto / truck flat for over 20 years so not that worried about it. But, I could get a flat today and I wouldn't drive it very far given the difference in rotation rates going straight.

 

[co4wheel]

It's about 1 inch difference. It's a rescue tire. I would drive it home. Thats it. It's full size. It's just slightly different then the main tires.

 

[Sleepy]

You could get a cheap used tire in same size for a cheap spare. I picked one up for $30 on my 80 series.

 

[chitown40]

You could get a cheap used tire in same size for a cheap spare. I picked one up for $30 on my 80 series.

x2

You don't want to run a full-time 4WD truck with mismatched sized tires. Go back to where you bought your tires from and ask them to save you a serviceable 265/70R17 tire. Most of the GM trucks, Tahoes, Suburbans, etc. run that size tire stock so they should be pretty common. All you need is one thaty holds air and isn't a racing slick.

 

[co4wheel]

x2

You don't want to run a full-time 4WD truck with mismatched sized tires. Go back to where you bought your tires from and ask them to save you a serviceable 265/70R17 tire. Most of the GM trucks, Tahoes, Suburbans, etc. run that size tire stock so they should be pretty common. All you need is one thaty holds air and isn't a racing slick.

They original size is 265/65/17 not a 70 series. So I didn't have a original tire to save. They did save the best of the original 265/65 tire.

 

[GXO]

If it really is for emergency and short term use, it should be fine. I use my spare in rotation as a new tire so I keep it identical (even to brand). I just don't see the value of saving $50 when you can have 5 good tires for the intended purpose.

Use case:
I was out in the ATL "snowmaggedon" a few years back and slid into a curb and blew the sidewall on my duratrac. Would have popped most tires, very icy, cold, etc.

I hopped out, hi-lift, pop on spare and on my way with full size and full traction.

Not offroad. In the city. Same thing has happened twice offroad. I prefer full size and matching spares.

 

[chitown40]

They original size is 265/65/17 not a 70 series. So I didn't have a original tire to save. They did save the best of the original 265/65 tire.

I know what size the stock tires are. What I'm saying, is to ask your installer to save a semi-decent tire that holds air from someone else's installation -- you know, a used tire that would otherwise be recycled. Then mount that tire on your spare rim. Then you get rid of your 265/65R17 tire. On my previous 4Runner, I went up to 265/70R17. On the day of installation, there was a Chevy Tahoe at NTB getting new tires at the same time. I asked my service guy to save me the best of the Tahoe's tires and throw it on my spare rim. They did it for free. They also kept my old 265/65R17 spare.

I've never been a 5 tire rotation guy, so that's my two cents.

 

[co4wheel]

I know what size the stock tires are. What I'm saying, is to ask your installer to save a semi-decent tire that holds air from someone else's installation -- you know, a used tire that would otherwise be recycled. Then mount that tire on your spare rim. Then you get rid of your 265/65R17 tire. On my previous 4Runner, I went up to 265/70R17. On the day of installation, there was a Chevy Tahoe at NTB getting new tires at the same time. I asked my service guy to save me the best of the Tahoe's tires and throw it on my spare rim. They did it for free. They also kept my old 265/65R17 spare.

I've never been a 5 tire rotation guy, so that's my two cents.

Oh. Got it. OK. Thanks.

 

[JLee]

Another vote for same-size spare -- differentials get angry if a tire doesn't match.

 

[co4wheel]

Do you think a 265/70/17 KO2 will fit in the spare tire area. It seems a lot bigger then the stock one.

 

[chitown40]

Do you think a 265/70/17 KO2 will fit in the spare tire area. It seems a lot bigger then the stock one.

It fits on the 4Runner just fine. Not sure if the type of hitch that you have makes a difference for fitment.

 

[GXO]

I fit a 285 in there (flat) once I removed my dealer mounted hitch.

 

[co4wheel]

It fits on the 4Runner just fine. Not sure if the type of hitch that you have makes a difference for fitment.

I don't know. It's some under the bumper hitch like what I see a lot of Gx's have. I figure it's protecting my bumper cover when I slide my backside on the trail. So I had planned on keeping it. It's not that low. But it is right below the bumper cover.

 

[SouthernSS]

I ran 3 - m33" tires and 1 - 35" tire during my long travel setup. Well I ran it for about 8 miles to my house from the body shop, but still no problems.

 

[little_joe]

You don't have to get the exact same size either - the outer diameter ideally should be the same on the spare as the other 4, but getting a skinnier tire is also a possibility. For example, JK's often have 255/75R17 stock, and I got a brand new Bridgestone take-off mounted for $25 - it's a 32x11" tire and fits the spare area fine.

 

[co4wheel]

It fits on the 4Runner just fine. Not sure if the type of hitch that you have makes a difference for fitment.

Your right. It fits fine. A little tighter. I got a KO2 same as all the others as my spare. Makes zero sense to risk a week of 4wheelin driving around with out a proper spare. Now that i know I like the KO2's I don't mind paying. In the end I get the same mileage per tire on 4 as I do on 5. Just need to do a 5 tire rotation.