Spare Tire Size with Electronic Locking Diff
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 472
Likes: 153
From: Southeast Wisconsin
Spare Tire Size with Electronic Locking Diff
I increased tire diameter from approx 31" to approx 34" with the purchase of of a take-off wheel set that included only 4 wheels/tires. Today it dawned on me that I probably should have a matching size spare tire.
Do I NEED a same size spare to get me to the nearest tire store in the event a tire would replacement?
The front axle is manual locks, and the rear diff is electronic lock. Also no traction control aids on this XL.
Will a 3" diameter smaller tire tear up the rear diff in a short run to the tire shop?
Do I NEED a same size spare to get me to the nearest tire store in the event a tire would replacement?
The front axle is manual locks, and the rear diff is electronic lock. Also no traction control aids on this XL.
Will a 3" diameter smaller tire tear up the rear diff in a short run to the tire shop?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Both your front and rear differentials are open (one wheel peel) differentials when not locked. The difference in tire size won't hurt anything on a short trip as long as the differential is not locked.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 283
Your front diff doesn’t have a locker unless you installed a aftermarket one? Just put the spare on the front if you have a ways to go. If not going far(across town) it will be fine in the rear, just don’t lock the diff.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,735
Likes: 1,116
Its always best practice to put the non matching tire on the non drive axle whenever possible. A flat rear tire should be replaced with a matching tire from the non drive axle. Even with an open differential you can still sustain damage from different size tires with over an inch in diameter difference.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 241
Likes: 99
Spare tire
Get the same size tire mounted on your spare. You could probably find a used one at your local tire shop. Even if you had to buy a new tire the cost is cheap insurance for any problems that might happen running an oddball sized tire. Peace of mind.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
Do you NEED one? Probably not, most people almost never need a spare, and then not for long periods, as mentioned, just to get to the tire store would be fine on a mis match spare. Good suggestions above, run it up front, hubs unlocked if you have a fair distance to drive.
If you are one of those people that needs a spare now and then because of where or how you drive, then find a used one and have it fitted. I generally do not have tire issues and when my current tires are ready I will save the best for a spare and continue running my upgraded size. 44k miles now with no need for a spare and mine is 32" vs 35" on the truck.
My last truck had a different diameter spare. I cut a sidewall on a nearly new tire getting firewood. I ran the mis match on the rear home 15 miles and then to the tire store 30 miles away, nobody died, no damage done.
If you are one of those people that needs a spare now and then because of where or how you drive, then find a used one and have it fitted. I generally do not have tire issues and when my current tires are ready I will save the best for a spare and continue running my upgraded size. 44k miles now with no need for a spare and mine is 32" vs 35" on the truck.
My last truck had a different diameter spare. I cut a sidewall on a nearly new tire getting firewood. I ran the mis match on the rear home 15 miles and then to the tire store 30 miles away, nobody died, no damage done.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 429
Likes: 126
The correct size spare isn't absolutely necessary to limp to somewhere for help. I prefer not having my trip interrupted, so I install the correct size spare when I change tires. In fact, I match the spare and wheel and install a programmable TPMS so that I can clone the flat tire TPMS and never miss a beat. Well, except to change a tire that is. I carry the TPMS programmer, laptop and FORSCAN with me when I travel.
FYI: The 34" tire will fit the spare tire location.
FYI: The 34" tire will fit the spare tire location.
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