ok, i installed a class 3 Draw-Tite tow receiver/hitch on my 90 4Runner, but now i cannot fit a 31" spare wheel/tire in the space under the vehicle! simply not enough space. only a 225/75 15 will work.

is there some kind of trick or something that i am missing? is it a bad idea to run the factory stock option 31x10.5 tires and have a 225/75 15 spare?

i prefer to not use the spare tire holder thing that mounts to the back of the tail gate. i prefer to use the space under the vehicle.

any suggestions?

thanks

 

Use the smaller tire for spare or mount it in the bed. A smaller spare will only hurt your handling if you drive around on it for weeks. Used for it's intended purpose (to get you to a repair facility) isn't going to cause you any problems, besides looking uncool for a few minutes....

 

I'm pretty certain my hitch is a Reese, and my 31" spare fits okay. I guess the Draw-Tite has slightly different dimensions.

Just curious -- you have a tailgate mount but don't want to use it? A lot of people here would like to have a tailgate mount.

 

I have the tailgate mount on my 90. I dont like it, it squeeks and makes all kind of noise. Going to be finding a way to make it go away soon.

 

Strange, when I was running 31s they fit fine with my hidden hitch. If you have onboard air, let the air out of the tire.

 

my 31" BFG AT is tight, but it fits. (on my 4runner)

ive got tones room on my truck...

 

Doesn't fit under mine. I don't keep it in unless I'm wheeling. I have onboard air, tire plugs and fix a flat. Unless I shred the tire I should be able to repair a tire for long enough for me to get to a shop or get home.

 

I don't have any direct experience with this but I've always read on this forum that you should never have different sized tires on drive wheels.

 

I have a '93 4R with a factory tow hitch. The 31" (inflated) fits underneath. It's a snug fit but it's tucked all the way in.
Is the Draw-Tite way bigger? Is it welded in or bolted? If bolted, is there any adjustment allowance that will perhaps enable you to move it and make more space?

 

I fit my 33x9.5 spare with my trailer hitch. now give me a freaking medal.

 

That would only apply if you had a locker (locked) diff, or if you are in 4wd with a pair of smaller tires on one axle. Assuming no one would be in locked mode with their spare tire or in 4wd on dry pavement, it wouldn't hurt to drive it to a garage.

Now, if you are running different size tires front to back (i.e., large in rear, small in front), you ARE going to have problems in 4wd with axle wind-up and significant stress on the transaxle, diffs & transmission.

 

hmmm...yeah, with this Draw-Tite receiver/hitch a 31" spare will NOT fit. i will take some fotos and report. the receiver is bolted, but there isn't any room for adjustments. darn, if i would have known about this, i would have searched for a different style of receiver/hitch.

no, i do not have a tailgate spare tire mount, but i have seen them.

i posted this question because i have seen some 4Runners with the receiver/hitches sticking out a bit compared to my Draw-Tite. i was hoping that there was some kind of trick or something.

besides this little issue, the Draw-Tite receiver/hitch is very sturdy and of good quality.

 

Buy my Hidden Hitch. I have a 32 under there with it right now...