Spare tire question

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Dec 29, 2015 | 07:39 AM

perryau1996

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Mountain Pass

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Spare tire question

I have 32 in bfgs on my 96 f150 4x4. I got back to my truck from deer hunting and noticed I had a flat on the rear driver side. My spare is 30 inches. Is riding with this smaller tire going to hurt anything til I can get other tire fixed or replaced? It's really muddy where I am and I will need to use 4x4 to get out. How about 2 wheel drive on the road? Any problems there?

Dec 29, 2015 | 08:19 AM

ford300fan

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Joined: Aug 2015

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Quote:

Originally Posted by perryau1996

In 2wd on highway you will probably be fine. I have a 235/75 spare with 31s. However it might be rather difficult to get In and out of 4x4 cause the axles will bind. Being in the mud is a good thing cause it will let everything slip. It might work with out a hitch.
Idk but it shouldnt tear anything up if you patch/ replace the tire in a timely manner

Dec 29, 2015 | 08:27 AM

perryau1996

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

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I had no choice but to put in 4x4. It seemed to be ok while in mud. Very slick. As soon as I got solid ground I put in two wheel drive and it seemed fine there too. Thanks for reply

Dec 29, 2015 | 08:29 AM

ford300fan

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2015

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Quote:

Originally Posted by perryau1996

I had no choice but to put in 4x4. It seemed to be ok while in mud. Very slick. As soon as I got solid ground I put in two wheel drive and it seemed fine there too. Thanks for reply

Your welcome , good to hear it worked

Dec 29, 2015 | 04:55 PM

Diesel_Brad

Fleet Owner

Joined: May 2009

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From: Gilbert, PA

Not a wise decision to run mismatched tires on the rear if you have a limited slip. It will eat up the clutches pretty quick

Dec 29, 2015 | 05:27 PM

Evan_P

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2012

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From: Oregon

Second what Brad said. I would have stopped once you got out of the mud and then moved the spare to the front with the hubs unlocked. Less wear and tear.

Dec 29, 2015 | 07:38 PM

Nothing Special

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2013

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From: Roseville, MN

I've also heard people claim that an open diff will grenade if run at highway speeds with mismatched tires for any length of time. Personally I kind of doubt it, but it might be another reason to put the mismatched spare on the front.

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Dec 30, 2015 | 08:48 AM

Bad Bad Leroy Brown

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2012

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It seems that slightly mismatched tires on the rear would be like driving on a constant sweeping turn, while going straight. One wheel jut turns faster. I dont think it would hurt an open diff at all, but limited slip it would.