Stock Spare with larger Tires??

SnowLizard · 2016-05-26T00:02:44+00:00

the spare is a spare... a just in case... I've read quite a few google forums about this, and it always comes down to that particular vehicle. so for our beloved 3rd gen 4runners... Can we run a stock spare tire with 3 larger tires IF needed? - yes, off road the gravel/dirt gives nicely... but on road I really don't think we should... Lets pic stock 265/70r16 (30.6) and the 285/75/16 32.8) as our new tires... they are common and I'm headed that direction. downside to running mis-matched in rear... the dif roll's constantly around a corner... horror stories on google from this.. downside on front... the smaller tire will 'brake' differently causing a pull... Now, granted this is a temporary situation, so it's not every day, lets say we have to drive 100 miles (part off road to get back to the freeway to get to town to get to tire shop) to fix your flat... what if it was further... lets say I blew it 500 miles from the shop that has one in stock (same brand) what's the downside of going 500 miles on stock spare with your 3 larger tires? one other thing to think... you can 'over-inflate' the spare, and deflate the others... but I think either one is a bad idea (unless spare is safe for 60+psi) I'm looking for a discussion... I have read the thread on VSC/a-trac and ABS possible issues, I don't think they would pose an issue, and I'm wanting to know if you would run a stock spare or just get the right sized spare... Edit: If running larger tires, what would happen IF we used a spare tire that is 2+inches smaller?

Thread starter SnowLizard
Start date May 26, 2016

With your IDEAL tire size (32, 33, 35, etc +...) would you run a stock spare tire?

I would depend on the stock 30.6 inch spare even with larger tires
Votes: 8 33.3%
I could not trust a stock 30.6 spare tire with my larger tires
Votes: 10 41.7%
I don't care, a tire is a tire
Votes: 1 4.2%
I'm running stock, so yeah the stock spare is what I'd throw on.
Votes: 5 20.8%

Total voters

24

Clayton74

New member

May 27, 2016

While better than nothing, a stock size spare will cause significant damage to your running gear in very short order if used at any significant speeds or distances, assuming you are running 33's or larger. Forget about it with a locker. Even off road, it would only be remotely safe in very slick mud or snow. Your spider gears are constantly working to overcome the difference in tire size causing excessive heat buildup and eventually cooking your gear oil.