285 Spare and Pan Hard bar

[momo.75]

I came across a smoking deal for a 5th Method wheel so i was going to pick up a used BFG AT for a full size spare. Eventually i will have a rear tire carrier so it will be nice to have it when that time comes. I took one of my current tires/wheels off and test fit it back there. It seems to fit ok but there was only about 1/4" space between it and the pan hard bar. I was curious if anybody else had a 285 in the spare space and what their thoughts were. I was just curious how much front to back motion the pan hard bar makes. I know it wouldn't be much but wanted to see if 1/4" would be enough room. Thanks in advance.:cheers:

Also, if i do go through with this i will have a brand new 12 year old 17" six spoke wheel for sale....lol. This is only the second time i have ever lowered the spare. The wheel is in perfect shape. I am wouldn't feel comfortable selling the Dunflop that is mounted since it was mounted in 2002....lol

 

[HokieRunner]

1/4" should be just fine. I have about the same clearance and even with full suspension articulation, I've yet to have an issue. Go for it! If you need to clear more room to make yourself comfortable, you can always deflate the spare a bit (assuming you have an on board way to air it up again!)

And think of the panhard bar like this: as the suspension droops the axle swings down and forward so you'd gain more of a gap. The only time it may rub is under compression as the axle swings up and marginally rearward... but I don't honestly think you'll have an issue.

 

[momo.75]

Thanks man. I figured there wasn't much front/back motion to it but since i has bushings in it there would be a little. I do have a pump in the back so having it a little deflated would be fine. Thanks for the post.

 

[ebg18t]

I have about 1/4" or so.

 

[momo.75]

It is dirty now but know that it would look perfect when cleaned up.