I am running 285/75/16's and my spare is a 255/85/16. If I do have to use my spare is there anything I could screw up by running two different size tires? The reason I have a different size spare is the backspacing on my spare rim won't allow me to run a 285/75/16.

 

not unless you got a locker..

 

I do have a locker. But it should be ok as long as its not locked?

 

I would think so. I had a detroit locker (no switch) and had to run 34's and 33's for about 50 miles and it drove like hell but didn't mess anything up. I'm sure it wasn't good on everything.

 

With an open differential, eventually the spider gears could see some excessive wear. They aren't made to turn continuously.

If anything, a locked manual locker would have less chance of causing differential problems than with an open differential. It would, however, continuously pull to one side. There would definately be some increased tire wear.

With an automatic locker, it would pull in one direction while on the throttle and pull in the other when the throttle is lifted.

A lunchbox locker like the Lock Right (as well as the Aussie and EZ Locker/Quick Lok), where the coupler halves rub while ratcheting, would not only be noisy, but would have increased wear. The No Slip is the only lunchbox locker without this problem.

With a limited slip, there would be both spider gear and clutch plate wear.