To SPARE or not to SPARE that is the ?

[Tatortot]

I am planning on purchasing some new BFG A/T 9.5 x 33 x 15 for my fj60. I currently have 9.5 x 31 on the ground as well as the spare, all on factory rims. Should I replace the spare too? Its worn but servicible. or should i keep it. Its an extra 150 bucks with shipping and m/b. By the time these are worn out I would like to go to 16" wheels and maybe a 34" tire. Is there a consensus on how close the spare has to be????

 

[Carp]

I think that if you're just running short distances, and you're not locked, you should be OK with the difference. That's what the differential is for, allows 1 tire to turn at a different speed than the other. Now, that doesn't mean the handling of the 60 won't be outta wack, or it won't pull to one side.

If it were me, I'd look for a used 33x9.50 for the spare, especially if you're going to go 16 in the future. Shouldn't be too hard to find a used one, as long as it isn't dryrotted, should work OK.

 

[hicruise55]

Use it as a spare but if you get a flat in the rear- move one of the fronts to the rear, then put the smaller tire in the front...run unlocked- no probems.

 

[Tatortot]

Hey HICRUISE55 I was out on the wet side too for a while. Was in Bellingham for almost a year, got the cruiser flu, found my cruiser in Milton-Freewater Or. Good thing too cuz I had the sniffles for Range Rovers. Research proved them to be hanger queens with expensive habits.

 

[Heartworm]

Cruise the tire stores in your area. Someone will have a used tire in your new size for $20.

 

[hicruise55]

Good thing too cuz I had the sniffles for Range Rovers. Research proved them to be hanger queens with expensive habits.

Thankfully we saved you from THAT! Its true!

Best bet IS to have the correct sized spare, but like I said-if not. Throw a WTB add on CL, you will be surprised what shows up

 

[sandcruiser]

you might call a few shops to see if anyone has a used 33x9.50 sitting in the to-be-trashed pile.
or craigslist
but a 31 is probably good enough to get you to the next gas station to fix a flat.

 

[Tatortot]

CL junkie

I have a serious CL addiction. THAT's where I got the cruiser too!! TV's beds, vcr, tv, awsume 6" vise, shelves, tool boxes. Just got one of those multi fold alum ladders for half new cost, looks shiny yet. Lookin for a good set of alum heads with 2" valves for my 5.7 but haven't found "deal" yet.

 

[REKCUT]

Grab any 33 used tire. It may be hard to find a 9.5 but a 12.5 is easy and they will be the same height which is what you are worried about. the width wont matter in a spare situation

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Use it as a spare but if you get a flat in the rear- move one of the fronts to the rear, then put the smaller tire in the front...run unlocked- no probems.

You ever drive with mismatched tire heights up front?
Put the oddball tire in back, less handling quirks that way.

 

[Bandit0]

You ever drive with mismatched tire heights up front?
Put the oddball tire in back, less handling quirks that way.

Uhm, powered differentials (especially locked) don't like tires constantly spinning at different speeds, and as far as handling quirks, it may steer funny in the front but it won't cause you to drift like the rear. Much better to free-wheel an oddball size tire in the front imho.

 

[ntsqd]

X2
I killed a rear Detroit with a slow leak. Took some time, but I was poor and the tire was still good other than it's slow leak. Just a difference in pressure (no more than 10 psi), on and off, for a couple of months (OK, so more like 6+) was enough to do it in. Got so that I could recognize when it was getting low by the way the truck drove.

Put the odd size up front and drive home carefully.

 

[mwalls54]

Uhm, powered differentials (especially locked) don't like tires constantly spinning at different speeds, and as far as handling quirks, it may steer funny in the front but it won't cause you to drift like the rear. Much better to free-wheel an oddball size tire in the front imho.

X2

you can control the steering but not the rear. I would say as long as you drive no more than 30 and limp it to some where that you can get the tire fixed you will be fine.

 

[sirenmoses]

I'm running 31's w/a 29 spare, which I've used twice, on the rear both times, no problems w/a 30 mile at 50ish mph trip to town for new tire.

I'm just saying...

 

[ntsqd]

I'm running 31's w/a 29 spare, which I've used twice, on the rear both times, no problems w/a 30 mile at 50ish mph trip to town for new tire.

I'm just saying...

With, or without a lock-up rear? It will make a huge difference.

 

[Skilter]

I got the same question... good thread. To add... will a 33 spare fit under the rig in the spare location? IIRC, the 31 I have barely fit.

 

[Nemesis Gnat]

my 33 fits in the spare spot... and i have a hitch

 

[hicruise55]

X2- on my 55 and 62

 

[Skilter]

cool thanks!

 

[Carp]

Yep, I've got a 33x10.50 under mine, fits on both a stock wheel and an aftermarket wheel.