Spare tire

[Txnx]

I put larger tires on my lightning (285/60r20 Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires) and was thinking that the spare tire no longer will work for me if I get a flat. If that's the case, I was thinking about just removing it entirely. First because it's useless and second because I don't love that you can see the tire from behind the truck.

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[Txnx]

Has anyone done this? Any pros/cons to consider? Thanks.

 

[RickLightning]

Cons - you no longer have a spare
Pros - weight, look (at least you think so)

I'd buy a spare that is close enough in size to work.

It's a truck...

 

[Sneakypetie78]

Useless? It'll still work despite being not the same size. Or am I missing something here? In a pinch, you might be really happy that you kept it.

 

[RickLightning]

Useless? It'll still work despite being not the same size. Or am I missing something here? In a pinch, you might be really happy that you kept it.

If a tire is too dissimilar in size, you can damage the vehicle by using it. Ford provides a tire similar in size.

 

[TaxmanHog]

The differential planetary gears will be overworked on the axle with dissimilar diameter tires.

Lightning motor planetary gear sets:

Video


Traditional rear end

 

[rdr854]

I bought a matching wheel and tire assembly and have that under my truck. My truck is a Lariat ER with the stock 20“ wheels.

 

[reffahcs]

The differential planetary gears will be overworked on the axle with dissimilar diameter tires.

Lightning motor planetary gear sets:

Video


Traditional rear end

Would you consider it safe enough though for a one-time drive to a tire shop, say 30-40 miles tops? Or is it really that big of a deal that you should have it towed instead? I know there's people that will drive weeks on a spare, so I'm curious how quickly this (dissimilar spare size) would have an impact on the rest of the truck.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Would you consider it safe enough though for a one-time drive to a tire shop, say 30-40 miles tops? Or is it really that big of a deal that you should have it towed instead? I know there's people that will drive weeks on a spare, so I'm curious how quickly this (dissimilar spare size) would have an impact on the rest of the truck.

I'm not sure and would be happy to hear an experienced mechanics opinion of the potential risks driving it that far.

IMHO, I would put the truck on a flatbed to a tire shop to get a repair or replacement tire if in your situation

 

[Maquis]

Would you consider it safe enough though for a one-time drive to a tire shop, say 30-40 miles tops? Or is it really that big of a deal that you should have it towed instead? I know there's people that will drive weeks on a spare, so I'm curious how quickly this (dissimilar spare size) would have an impact on the rest of the truck.

I'm not sure and would be happy to hear an experienced mechanics opinion of the potential risks driving it that far.

IMHO, I would put the truck on a flatbed to a tire shop to get a repair or replacement tire if in your situation

The only restriction in the owners manual regarding the use of a dissimilar spare tire is to not exceed 70 MPH. There is no distinction regarding various sizes or types.

Edit - the section on the locking differential states that it should not be used with a dissimilar spare mounted on the rear.

 

[TaxmanHog]

The only restriction in the owners manual regarding the use of a dissimilar spare tire is to not exceed 70 MPH. There is no distinction regarding various sizes or types.

Edit - the section on the locking differential states that it should not be used with a dissimilar spare mounted on the rear.

That seems logical for the lockup, and that the differential gear would likely tolerate a short haul.

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