Tire Rotation Question (Diff Tire Diameter)

[NorthShoreLC]

Also posted in tire tech...

I have the opportunity to purchase 5 275/70/18 BFG ATs at a good price locally.

2 are at 7-8/32
2 are at 9-10/32
1 is (spare) at 12/32.

I assume the difference in diameter between 7-8 and 9-10 won't cause trouble with the 4wd system, but would it be advisable to rotate in the spare or is the difference in diameter between them too great?

 

[TXLX100]

In my opinion, so long as you get the approximate size tires on the same axle, no problem. You could work that new spare tire in on the back until it gets a bit worn down.

 

[Mike6158]

If you run lockers or even posi units on both ends and have different sized tires I think you're going to have problems. Not being familiar with the TLC and it's traction control systems this is just an opinion based on what I've seen with an old jeep that I used to own

 

[SWUtah]

Not a problem rotate and keep the spare as a spare.

 

[SmoothLC]

I've never heard any problems on an LC/LX, but have a buddy with a GM truck who's drive train warranty got voided for doing the same as OP.

He couldn't believe it.

Me either.

 

[Sandroad]

You should also look at the age and at the history. Tires more than 6 years old are probably not worth much and given the type of tire, I would want to know a lot about how they were used (off-road, heavy loads, repaired, etc) before taking advantage of even a good deal.

 

[SWUtah]

Get a new set of 296/65/18 Duratech's only $1-1,300 from tirerack

 

[stinkyfj60]

the big shops (Firestone, Discount, etc.) wont fxxx around with difference in tread depths. You can always call the dealership; they have the information on how many 32nds each one can be different by. I do know that the difference between that new one and the 7 and 8s you have is too much.

I don't know if the problem is real for Land Cruisers, but I've had a lot of techs tell me that it is. I don't take any chances with it.

 

[NorthShoreLC]

Thanks all.

I appreciate the 'go buy 5 new tires' comment. I've still ended up with the same issue/ question after mangling 1 tire 10k miles into a set...stupid to have to always buy 4 tires, whether one has the cash or not.

My 4 tires right now, rotated regularly, differ by about 1-2/32. I call that normal.

There's a tipping point in difference where the wheel speed sensors get thrown off, and I just don't know exactly where that is. I agree the 12/32 tire needs to stay the spare, but I suspect the other 4 would be fine, based on my gut and on some of your comments.

 

[SWUtah]

Just keep the more worn tires on the same axle.