Spare Tire Doesn't Match...Problem?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Great State of Texas
Spare Tire Doesn't Match...Problem?
OK, my new Expy EL has 18" Pirelli Scorpions. The spare is a 17" Continental.
Back in the day, different radial tread types meant bad news. What problems can I expect if I had to use this tire / wheel combo with and with out trailering.
What are the chance's the dealer or Ford is going to spring for a matching spare?
Back in the day, different radial tread types meant bad news. What problems can I expect if I had to use this tire / wheel combo with and with out trailering.
What are the chance's the dealer or Ford is going to spring for a matching spare?
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Joined: Apr 2004
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The 18s were added by the dealer? Better check your paperwork, it probably says "4...tires/wheels..."
If they are the same diameter, it will work as a spare when you need it, should you be unable to move the dealer to doing the right thing...
If they are the same diameter, it will work as a spare when you need it, should you be unable to move the dealer to doing the right thing...
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
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From: Great State of Texas
According to the tire calculators the tire diameters are damned near 0.50" off. The Scorpions being taller.
17" are stock. The 18" are a factory add / option as noted on the sticker. I don't think the sticker states how many. So that could be open to interpretation. I reck'on I'll be contacting the dealer on it though.
I can see it now. Dealer says Ford says "No Way Jose". Then I'll tell them I am currently in the process of changing my will anyway (which I am) and it cost me $ 25.00 to add that I require my estate to investigate the possibility of unmatched tires causing the accident should I die as a result of an auto wreck involving the Expy. If so, said estate is to name the dealer, the service writer and Ford if a liability law suit ensues. For muti-billions of dollars of course.
17" are stock. The 18" are a factory add / option as noted on the sticker. I don't think the sticker states how many. So that could be open to interpretation. I reck'on I'll be contacting the dealer on it though.
I can see it now. Dealer says Ford says "No Way Jose". Then I'll tell them I am currently in the process of changing my will anyway (which I am) and it cost me $ 25.00 to add that I require my estate to investigate the possibility of unmatched tires causing the accident should I die as a result of an auto wreck involving the Expy. If so, said estate is to name the dealer, the service writer and Ford if a liability law suit ensues. For muti-billions of dollars of course.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: North Van BC, Canada. EH!
As long as the smaller tire is NOT on a drive axle, then there wont be a problem. "temp tires" are generally quite a bit smaller, and should NEVER be placed on a drive axle (although I see it regularly). Put a smaller tire (temp tires included) on a drive axle, and you risk ripping your drive axle to pieces.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: SE Wyoming
The only way that would be possible, as I see it, is if you have a completely locked axle, other wise it will slip just fine, just as it does when you turn.
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From: North Van BC, Canada. EH!
We had a guy come in with a caravan, he ran a temp tire for 4 months, when he finally replaced the tire, he brought it to us, because of the grinding sounds. When we pulled the axle, there were pieces of the cogs missing on the axle, the boot was ripped to shreds, the CV was clunking.
Your owner manual also states not to put a temp tire on a drive axle.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
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From: Melbourne, Aus
1. As mentioned it isn't really a safety problem, but such a tyre should only used in an emergency, and only up to ~50mph.
2. Most upgradable wheels only include a set of 4 nowadays. By all means try to get a 5th out of your dealer, but I wish you the best of luck
2. Most upgradable wheels only include a set of 4 nowadays. By all means try to get a 5th out of your dealer, but I wish you the best of luck
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: wichita kansas
I might try getting the spare from the dealer, but wouldn't hold out much hope for it. Would the bigger tire even fit in the spare tire carrier? The different sizes aren't so much a problem as long as you don't put mismatched tires on the drive axle. Even with the emergency spares you should only use them on the non drive axle. The spare tire anymore is just for emergency use only although I always go to the salvage and buy a full size spare so that I don't have to mess with the odd size spare. The dealer might be willing to get you a 18" rim and the same size tire and get it for wholesale though, but I'd make sure first that it will fit the spare tire rack.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Great State of Texas
Thanks for the reply guys. I never thought about the drive axle issue. I can see where that could be an issue, especially when towing. Even a light tow.
I am going to take a swing at the dealer in a couple of weeks. I have to take her in for an alignment anyway since it has pulled to the left since I bought it. I'll let you guys know what happens.
I am going to take a swing at the dealer in a couple of weeks. I have to take her in for an alignment anyway since it has pulled to the left since I bought it. I'll let you guys know what happens.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: So Cal
This is kind of like the space saver spares which are much smaller than the original tires. It can be done, but you should keep speeds down and not drive too long.
Another thing to think about with 4wd or Limited Slip differentials...
If you put a spare tire on that is significantly smaller, there will be a speed difference from left to right tires. With limited slip this can cause accelerated wear on the clutches. If you Must drive in 4wd, the same problem pops up, different tire speeds left to right or front to back.
So, put the small spare on an axle that does not have limited slip or disengage 4wd. THis can be a pita, for example say you have a rear flat. You technically should put the spare on a front axle without 4wd engaged. THis may mean you have to remove the front tire, put it on the back and put the spare on the front, a pita.
I have driven a previous car with LS rear and space saver and did not notice anything strange or bad but I did change as soon as practical.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Another thing to think about with 4wd or Limited Slip differentials...
If you put a spare tire on that is significantly smaller, there will be a speed difference from left to right tires. With limited slip this can cause accelerated wear on the clutches. If you Must drive in 4wd, the same problem pops up, different tire speeds left to right or front to back.
So, put the small spare on an axle that does not have limited slip or disengage 4wd. THis can be a pita, for example say you have a rear flat. You technically should put the spare on a front axle without 4wd engaged. THis may mean you have to remove the front tire, put it on the back and put the spare on the front, a pita.
I have driven a previous car with LS rear and space saver and did not notice anything strange or bad but I did change as soon as practical.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
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From: Great State of Texas
That's why I was asking.
Actually I was more concerned with the fact that the radial design does not match in tandem with the 0.50 in height differential. But, like I said, I am going to take a swing at the dealer anyway. Bought more than a few trucks from them. So we will see.
Actually I was more concerned with the fact that the radial design does not match in tandem with the 0.50 in height differential. But, like I said, I am going to take a swing at the dealer anyway. Bought more than a few trucks from them. So we will see.