Spare Tire Size

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Awest623

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I slashed a tire out in the woods this fall and I had to limp home with the 15" spare (original tire from '96). 12 miles of muddy dirt road then 70 miles of freeway. Fortunately I didn't have to use 4x4 but anyhow nothing broke. Steering was definitely wonky. I asked the tire guy about a full sized 265/65/18 spare but I was turned off by the price. 18" is an odd size it turns out. He was able to look up a 15" that would have the same outside diameter as my current tires and still fit in the wheel wells. I don't think I would run this setup in 4x4 but it would still be a better option than using a wildly mismatched wheel.
Mounting a spare upright in a pickup bed works well but you might not have room if you have a toolbox and a short bed. If you have a push bar in front you could fab a wheel mount there instead.
Put the tire on the front of my truck? Hmm... Idk about that. I'm currently running 315s with no spare. But Imma drop down to 285s (maybe 295s) soon so I can take my god awful looking body lift off. Mounting it to the side of the bed sounds good but I do plan on getting a toolbox too. Maybe I could put the tire behind the wheel well
 

David Barry

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I've owned my '93 Sierra 350 for over 20 years. I have never removed my spare tire on a 15" wheel. My updated wheels are 18." I drive the truck around town; occasionally, on the highway. Would it benefit me to remove it and lessen the load? Does the spare help to keep the rear of the truck more stable? Would it provide much protection if I was rear ended?

I would appreciate your opinions.
 

454cid

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I'm no rocket surgeon, but I can't see it making a bit of difference in handling, or any significant difference in accident protection. I haven't carried a spare under the truck in years, and I removed the winch and braces this past summer (rusty).

You may have trouble getting the tire down if it's really been 20 years, even if you are in AZ.
 

Awest623

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I'd keep it for when you blow a tire. I obviously ain't got mine. But I kinda wish I could

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David Barry

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I'm no rocket surgeon, but I can't see it making a bit of difference in handling, or any significant difference in accident protection. I haven't carried a spare under the truck in years, and I removed the winch and braces this past summer (rusty).

You may have trouble getting the tire down if it's really been 20 years, even if you are in AZ.
Thanks guys, for your thoughts on this. I'll have to get out the manual to see how to lower the spare.
 

454cid

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They are notorious for seizing. When I had one stuck on a GMT-610 van, I sprayed it, and just had to keep working the handle back and forth. On my truck, I don't think it actually seized. I had the bed off, and removed the hoist from the frame, so it wasn't an issue.
 

Eveready

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From what I have read about it, the winch work fine if it gets a little love about once a year. That would mean some sort of lubrication. When I bought my truck the spare was in the bed ready to be stolen and the winch was tied out of the way with a zip tie. Once I learned how it was supposed to work (a task I detailed elsewhere on this forum to my embarrassment HINT it looks weird but it really does work that way) I just lowered it and stored the tire. It worked fine. I need to find out how to lube it. That seems to be the secret.
 

bugman-74

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Hey guys - thought I'd offer a data point with pictures. There are a few caveats to keep in mind:
  • This is a '95 C1500, long bed, 5.7
  • Hitch is a Curt Class IV #14081
  • Exhaust is a Gibson cat back single
  • Wheels are pro-comp 69's
  • 4" lift spindles up front, 3" blocks in the rear
I test fit an 8 year old 285/75-16 BFG KO2 with 50% tread in the factory spare location. It BARELY fit. It touches on all 3 sides of the hitch, and is too close for my comfort to the exhaust. It does clear the rear brake line and diff cover. I seriously doubt a new 285/75-16 would fit at all.

Since my application is 2 wheel drive, I opted to put a 31x10.5 on the factory spare rim, and it fits with plenty of clearance in the factory location given the above caveats. I do have a Truetrac, so if I get a flat on the rear axle I will have to play "musical-tires" to put the spare up front to limp home (I keep a full size spare in the garage at home).

In any case, I'd recommend adding a secondary device to secure the spare to the vehicle. I dont trust the factory cable winch, so I fabricated my own cables that wrap around cross members just for extra safety (not pictured).

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