2nd gen Explorer 15" spare tire

[ThreeJs]

Picked up an original 225/70R15 Temporary Use Firestone spare tire to replace my missing spare tire.
I have the factory 255/70R16 (approx. 30") tires on my 96 EB Explorer, V-6 4x4 Control Trac transfer case.

A lot of driving is on the freeway across empty desert.

I know the spare is shorter in diameter. Will a 30" tire fit up in the spare tire space or am I OK to use the temporary use one?

 

[J_C]

Agreed, that's far too large a diameter difference, and if "an original" means it's around 20 years old, is it reliable enough to depend on driving across desert areas? I wouldn't.

 

[XLTrunner]

Running a spare (even for a short distance) that is a different wheel diameter and 2 1/2" shorter in profile is not something I would want to do. Return that Firestone and get one that matches your other tires...if not exactly, as close as you can find. It will store underneath just fine.

 

[J_C]

Odd, XLTrunner's post was before mine, but has now changed in the sort order of the topic to be after mine.

 

[96eb96]

Picked up an original 225/70R15 Temporary Use Firestone spare tire to replace my missing spare tire.
I have the factory 255/70R16 (approx. 30") tires on my 96 EB Explorer, V-6 4x4 Control Trac transfer case.

A lot of driving is on the freeway across empty desert.

I know the spare is shorter in diameter. Will a 30" tire fit up in the spare tire space or am I OK to use the temporary use one?

I would drill holes in that tire if its original. DO NOT DRIVE ON IT. It is way past its life. Especially in the heat. Especially considering the explorer. A new tire around that size is $60. Even a newer used one ...
A smaller tire could wear out a limited slip diff on the rear. Not sure if the 95-97s could fit a larger spare than what is stock.

 

[EB4X]

A smaller tire could wear out a limited slip diff on the rear.

/\ THIS
Never have two different size (height) tires in rear....

 

[donalds]

I put a full size under my99 p255 75 r15 fit under the truck fine

 

[ThreeJs]

First off...I got the spare but I didn't realize it was going to be a 15" rim. Apparently the 15" was the factory spare on the 96 Eddie Bauer.
I don't plan on using the original Firestone. It has many dry rot cracks even though it still has the factory nubs.

I've been reading a lot of differing opinions. Fits, won't fit, fits at an angle....Stock 16 fits fine..Only fits with the air let out. ???

My question is a under the truck fitment. I read that the 98-later spare tire area was reconfigured and is larger than the 95-97's.

Before getting a replacement tire. Since I already have the 15" factory spare rim.
I want to know if a 30 x 9.5 15 tire or a 255/75R15 will fit under a 96 without a trailer receiver hitch.

 

[J_C]

Take off one of your current wheels and see if it fits there. If it does, I'd get a 16" rim and same size tire as your others.

 

[gmanpaint]

Wheel size doesn't matter, tire size does.

I am able to fit a 33" or a 285 by cutting off the section that turns down.

You can fit a 31" or a 265 underneath with no modifications at all. If in doubt, break out the saw.

I would just get a used wheel and a new tire in a matching size. Better to be safe than sorry. It could save your life, never know.