Spare Tire

Hi, I've got a question about the spare tire. Once I get bigger tires, should I replace the tire on the spare as well? (I never considered buying 5 tires as a set, right?). I'd be going from 265/70R17 to 285/70R17. The spare is what came with the 4Runner and is the 265. In the event I should have to, would it be safe to run on the smaller spare just to get me to the tire shop?

 

Depends on how you are planing on using your 4runner. I just replaced my spare that came on my 4runner with the same type and size that I upgraded to. I am planning on some off roading and wanted the same tire for my spare. If you are back in the middle of nowhere and tear up a tire it's my opinion that I don't want a passenger car rated tire for a spare that might not last long enough to get me back to civilization.

 

The 285 will fit under the truck, a lot of guys on this site have done it and they can verify it does fit.

Now, a 5 tire rotation is totally up to you. You'll have the benefit of a spare tire that matches perfectly if you ever get a flat. Plus you can get (probably) more miles out of your set of tires. Since you'll be taking one out of the rotation for a certain amount of miles every time you rotate them.

If you simply upgrade to 285's but leave the spare alone, you'll be fine. The truck may pull a little to the side that the smaller tire is on, but other than that...it's safe.

 

If you have posi differentials you should run same size tire. It is also good idea if you leave it in 4wd when spare is on, to prevent damage from different rotation speeds. I have 5 matching size tires and rotate all 5.

 

If a 285 fits, I'm assuming the stock SR5 wheel and tire will fit without any mods other than removing the center cap? I'm getting ready to add the 5th TPMS position to the display and want to put the stock wheel/tire in that storage position.

 

Are you asking if you can put the stock SR5 wheel on a 285 tire? If so, then yes. I've seen 2 or 3 guys on this site with that setup. They have the snowflake wheel with 285' Wildpeaks/KO2's/KO3's. The spare tire is a steel wheel though. You'd have to buy another SR5/Snowflake wheel, so they'd all match when it comes time to rotate 'em.

 

Thanks, I appreciate your input.

 

Totally makes sense...thanks!

 

Thanks for the tip on keeping it in 4wd while the spare is on.

 

What does leaving it in 4wd do to prevent damage from different rotation speeds?

 

If the diameter isn’t dramatic and you aren’t hitting rocks I’d say you can get away with the current spare. If you’re concerned about the mismatch on the road, you can put the spare on the front in 2WD but cars do get around on donuts. (but those also do have low mile and speed limits, but likely to do with the temporary spare itself with a little bit being that it’s smaller.)

Don’t forget to make sure that the jack you have has enough margin of error to lift what you’ll have off the ground.

 

In 2 wheel drive transfer case is disengaged. That way individual wheels can rotate at different speeds not causing binding in transfer case. [With posi wheels also want to turn at same speeds/ without posi not an issue].

This is also true when towing 4 wheel drive vehicles. With full time 4 wheel drives ALL 4 WHEELS need to be off ground [if it has transfer case which can be put in neutral or 2 wheel drive not an issue], full time 4x4's need to be flat bed or trailer towed to prevent transfer case damage. I know a PROFESSIONAL TOWER that learned this lesson the hard way. He towed a Range Rover with full time 4 wheel drive with 2 wheels on the ground for a long tow and destroyed the transfer case. It cost him BIG MONEY to fix for customer.

 

So did you originally mean to say leave it in 2wd? That makes more sense.

4Runners do not have posi diffs.

 

SOME 4runners do have posi's. Aftermarket added or older models. You need to have some knowledge of what you drive.
One statement don't fit all.

 

Been offroading everywhere in my 4runner and the 3x I got a flat and had to use a spare was on smooth paved roads. Always due to a nail, screw, or small piece of metal in the road. Never a flat offroading.

I left my original factory spare tire on the spare rim from 2007 until now. Tread on spare still looked new but of course the rubber compound is about 7 years out of date. Lmao.

Just got tires replaced and used the best tire from my old set for the spare. Nice money saver.