17" with 16" spare?

[tkr128]

I just bought a set of the 17" wheels from the Limited for my SR5, but I'm wondering if I can keep my 16" spare or get an additional 17" as the spare? I'm not planning on using it when rotating or driving on, just as a "just in case." Would it be okay to drive on 3 17"s and 1 16" if I run into a flat or something? Thanks!

 

[waskillywabbit]

I just bought a set of the 17" wheels from the Limited for my SR5, but I'm wondering if I can keep my 16" spare or get an additional 17" as the spare? I'm not planning on using it when rotating or driving on, just as a "just in case." Would it be okay to drive on 3 17"s and 1 16" if I run into a flat or something? Thanks!

IMO, sell the 16" with your others you took off and get a 17" spare. Why settle and do things half-a$$ when you can do them right, get a 17" spare because sooner or later, you'll need it. Or better yet, get another rim and tire to match your set and rotate (5) tires instead of (4) and get more mileage out of a set and always know that your spare is in top condition and not just a wasted tire that you never use.

:guitar2:

 

[peter78]

Well I read waskillywabbit's advice and I feel slightly different. I know some SUV's use a smaller spare, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I also know that the 16 and 17" tires are basically the same size or should I say, the same hieght. The 17" tire has a lower profile. The tire may be a different pattern, but if used for a spare, I feel it would work fine. I agree with waskillywabbit that it is half-a$$, but half-a$$ should work.

 

[darktiger]

My old 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee had a full size spare. I would prob keep the 16" if you are short on dough. But if you can spare it I would get another 17" so you could rotate it with the other tires.

 

[Guest]

Run measuring tape around the 16" and 17" tire tread to see that the circumfrence is the same or very close.

The problem is that we have a limited slip rear diff and if one rear wheel is appreciably different, it might seem like slippage and lock up the lsd or activate the vsc.

You could put the front tire in the back and then the smaller tire up front (if you had a rear flat) but that's alot of work.

My guess is that the 16 spare is close enough that it wouldn't be a problem but check that it isn't some crazy difference.

 

[peter78]

Techincally the 17" is larger, but only in 1000ths of a inch. It should work fine. My 4Runner came with 4 alloy wheels and a steel spare, so I am in the same boat as far as rotating my tires. As far as rotating all 5 tires, I wonder what side you would put it on, since it does matter which way the tires spin. I am told it is not recommended to have tires spin on way and then put them on the other side and have them spin the other way.

The Jeep I saw had a small tire in the trunk and the owner said the full size spare was a option. Also, I would think having a 16" or 17" spare would not mean much at trade in time.

 

[tkr128]

I wish I could've bought a set of 5, but I've only found sets of 4. I guess people don't feel like replacing the spare when they get new rims. Anyway, I'm just going to go look for another 17" somewhere. Thanks for all the help!

 

[toyorgy]

wow, this is an old thread. I was going to start a thread but this popped up in search.

Same question but on my 2007 SR5 4x4, i've got 285/70/17 (32.7") and the spare can be 255/85/16 (33.1") *someone is giving one tire away. I think that's closer than the 265/70/16 that's mounted on there now. Will this be safe to run as a spare? Will it still fit under the 4r?

 

[Dillusion]

You should be ok. Some still run the stock spare (I do) while running 285s. Hell with the difference in manufacturer tire sizes I wouldn't be surprised if most are off when they put different brands on.

Not recommend forever but you get the idea.

No idea on fitment below.

 

[derbytown]

If you had to use the smaller spare, I would prob run up front and not in the rear, for gears sake

 

[RonJR]

I wouldn't worry about it much. After thinking about it for a bit, I realized the last time I actually installed a spare tire was 21 years, 5 vehicles, and 350,000 miles ago. Running good tires and changing them before they wear out is key. For limping back to town in the rare case a tire goes, exact tire diameter isn't that critical. Just needs to be round.