What size of spare do I need to use?

OzarkOutdoors · 03-12-2009, 09:31 AM

Okay..I put a new set of 33X1250 BFGs ATs on my TJ this week. I took the stock spare off the tailgate since it looked a bit silly and I would probably have to disconnect the sway bar to get the spare to touch the ground should the need arise to use it.

So my question is, what is the smallest spare I can get away with? It would only be needed to get me home and last for a day or so until I could get my tire repaired/replaced. Could I get by with a 31 or 32? Smaller would be easier on my tailgate (until I can afford a new bumper and tire carrier) but I also want to be able to drive home on it.

In order to keep costs low I plan on getting a used tire, put it on a takeoff or something and cover it up with a tire cover.

EvilM0nkey · 03-12-2009, 09:34 AM

You need to have the same height tire. Even on space saver tires the overall height is the same as the others.
Especially if you're offroad. You don't want to get stuck because of one smaller crappy tire.

**TheBoogieman** · 03-12-2009, 09:35 AM

I wouldn't drive it without a 33" spare.Mine fit on the stock carrier with no problems.3 years on my brother's jeep with no problems either.

ballallday89 · 03-12-2009, 09:37 AM

I use a 35 with my 35's

**2jhanna** · 03-12-2009, 09:52 AM

If you have open diffs (no lockers or limited slip) and don't use 4wd, you can get away with a different size spare.

OzarkOutdoors · 03-12-2009, 09:54 AM

I guess that answers my question...

Thanks

Scotch740 · 03-12-2009, 09:55 AM

Running a smaller tire on one side will have your axle shafts spinning at different speeds. Thus your spider gears are going to be working over time till they go BOOM! No point in stacking the cards against the D35 more than they are already.

I would consider it for a short drive home but a bad solution. NO way would I run different size tires with a limited slip or an auto locker.

I have been running without my rear seat and have my full size spare strapped down till I can build a rear bumper. Actually I just finished a bracket last night to move my 35" out and up on the stock mount. I plan to use that only for on road use so I can get my seat back in and make the move out of my apartment at the end of the school year easier.

**Unlimited04** · 03-12-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzarkOutdoors

Okay..I put a new set of 33X1250 BFGs ATs on my TJ this week.
So my question is, what is the smallest spare I can get away with?

you just answered your own question - you need a 33" tire. the smallest you can go with is 33x9.5. Most people run a full size spare, for you: 33x12.5.

**BomberJeep** · 03-12-2009, 10:04 AM

Agreed with Unlimited04. Your best bet would be running the same size for a spare. It can be a narrower tire but for me I just run the same size

**BloodThirsty** · 03-12-2009, 10:07 AM

I got my 32" spare cause I want to do a five tire rotation. I assume everybody else does the five tire rotation?

patricknolan · 03-12-2009, 10:08 AM

Yeah i agree with everyone. Find a used 33 inch tire + buy a bracket to have it fit on your tailgate. It shouldnt be more than 100 total for everything. Try craigslist or a local offroad club for a good price.

Neil F. · 03-12-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeepinRoss

You need to have the same height tire. Even on space saver tires the overall height is the same as the others.
.

Not true. Most space saver spares are smaller than the OE wheels. Note even vhehicles with limited slip rears have space saver spares. There will be wear but the diff is not going to self destruct in a few miles. Now I cannot say what the maximum difference should be before it gets risky. 4x4 obviously is out.

EvilM0nkey · 03-12-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil F.

Not true. Most space saver spares are smaller than the OE wheels. Note even vhehicles with limited slip rears have space saver spares. There will be wear but the diff is not going to self destruct in a few miles. Now I cannot say what the maximum difference should be before it gets risky. 4x4 obviously is out.

You mean narrower and yes many vehicles with an LSD come with space saver tires. The 2006+ Honda Civic Si for example.

**Unlimited04** · 03-12-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BloodThirsty

I got my 32" spare cause I want to do a five tire rotation. I assume everybody else does the five tire rotation?

I was doing a 6-tire rotation (bought an extra wheel), but one defectively siped tire was replaced by Discount Tire and now I'm back to 4 tire since I don't want to introduce one brand new tire halfway through the life of the others.

**TheBoogieman** · 03-12-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BloodThirsty

I got my 32" spare cause I want to do a five tire rotation. I assume everybody else does the five tire rotation?

Not me,4 tires cost enough.