sorry to bring this thread up from the grave, but I had to ask this. If I can't fit anything bigger than a 15" wheel and 225's underneath the rear of my truck as the spare, would I be able to use that in the front in case I get a flat on the trail? And drive to the local gas station or somethin? My truck came with the 15" steelies and 225's, and now I have the 16" alloys and 265/75's. And no room underneath because of the tow hitch. And it doesn't look like i can extend that either. Cuz I really don't know what to do and I don't want to screw up my diff. Also I don't want to mount a spare anywhere else like the roof or rear.

 

You can fit a 285/75/16 under the back, don't worry.

If you get a used tire it fits, If you get a brand new MT/R it fits with the air out, no biggie since you have on-board air, right ???

 

you're not talking to me are you steve?

 

Not sure who Steve was talking to, but probably the thread starter. Why can't you fit a 265/75 in there? Have you tried it yet? That is the max size spare with a hitch receiver that you can (should be able to) run. You can run a 285 spare with a receiver, but you'd have to deflate it all the way.

 

I have an aftermarket hitch and getting it in was a pain in the butt without removing the stock tire. 265/70 to 265/75 might just BARELY fit in my case. Maybe Toyo's in the same boat - especially since the increase in size is pretty noticeable.

 

Just get a used 33" tire from somewhere. I'm in the same situation, I have 285/75's and a 265/70 spare. I'm trying to find a used 285 from somewhere... they're just not that common though! The spare isn't for driving 1000 miles on anyways, maybe 100 but that's pushing it. I guess just look on Yota or call up a tire place and see if they have any usable 285's.

Zach

 

Well that's an interesting idea...

I talked to my local Discount Tire Co. and they say that they'd be able to get me a used 265/75R16 and mount it on to the rim and balanced for about $30 to use as my spare.

Subject to what they have available, of course!

 

I thought the only time you needed equal size tires was if you were running a locker. Undue stress on the components if they are different sizes...

I've never heard of different size tires affecting open diffs or the transfer case for that matter. Same rule as always on using 4wd - your tires should be on a surface that lets them slip. Your transfer case should not be engaged on a hard surface anyway. This is where things get damaged, same size tires or not...

Now if you plan on putting a 1000 miles on your rig this way, well, I think you're on your own.

 

I vaguely remember someone telling me that different size tires on the drive axles (I think that's the term) is okay as long as it's a minimal distance.

Seems like it's one of those do at your own risk type things. I'd rather just try to make sure I have the same size all around.