33" tires and a P235 spare. What happens?

[kurant045]

Guys bear with me if this is a stupid question. Since it is coming from someone who fortunately hasn't dealt with many flats. I'm running 33/12.50/15 BFG's and I still have that crappy firestone P235 size tire in my spare carrier. If I happen to get a flat will this suffice to get me out of trouble? I see regular cars have a tiny spare tire, and it works. Hopefully I'll get a roof rack soon and slap another 33" on top. But for now should I get something else? I understand that not even a 31" tire will fit in the factory spare tire holder, is this correct? Just give me your .02 cents on this issue.

Thanks,
Robert

 

[FMExplorer]

Robert,
You might be able to get a 31 under the explorer if it is aired down - but that does no good replacing one flat with another

I wouldn't run a small spare on a 4-wheel drive under any circumstance as the different tire circumference could do damage to the differentials. You might be able to get away with it in the front in a pinch, but not the rear. I would take the Firestone and trade it towards a new 33". You should get a credit of around 100 bucks for the recall. At least you'll have a 33 in the garage for later use...

JonM

 

[kurant045]

Jon so what you are saying, is that if I'm engaged in four wheel drive it could mess something up? What about regular mode (2 wheel drive)? Will this be a problem also? Oh and I don't think I can trade in my firestone tire. This tire is the spare that came with my explorer in 92'
Does anyone know from what year on the recall is for?

Thanks,
Robert

 

[wabbit]

it's covered...

Robert,
You can bet that your spare is covered under the warranty if it's an ATX like mine. I have a 91 with the factory spare. I will be looking to get that tire replaced under the warranty.
At this point, no way is Firestone gonna reject replacing your spare and send you out on the road with that tire, even as a spare.
I'm hoping to get a credit as I do not need another 235. I'm soon to be running 32's.
Anyway, they will credit it. Not sure if it can be credited to a different size tire.

 

[FMExplorer]

Robert,
You may be ok if you run the spare on the front and in 2wd only. If it is in 4x4 mode and you lock the hubs, you will either snap the axle shafts or the gears. Tires need to have the same circumferance when hubs are locked or you will toast everything.

Also - your spare is covered under the recall.

JonM

 

[rpenner54]

If you have no other choice run it on the front end and NOT in 4x4 mode. That should get you by far enough to get to a shop. It will probably make it drive pretty funny so I would not recomend doing that for an extended period of time.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by kurant045
Guys bear with me if this is a stupid question. Since it is coming from someone who fortunately hasn't dealt with many flats. I'm running 33/12.50/15 BFG's and I still have that crappy firestone P235 size tire in my spare carrier. If I happen to get a flat will this suffice to get me out of trouble? I see regular cars have a tiny spare tire, and it works. Hopefully I'll get a roof rack soon and slap another 33" on top. But for now should I get something else? I understand that not even a 31" tire will fit in the factory spare tire holder, is this correct? Just give me your .02 cents on this issue.

Thanks,
Robert

Here is what I just posted in rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer on the same subject. Basically, the same issue came about since Ford equipped my '97 4x4 with 255 70R16 tires, but a 225 70R15 spare. The advise here seems to follow everything I have been told. Put the spare on the front (not mentioned in my Owner's manual) and don't use 4x4 (in my manual). Here is the text from my post:

"That is what I keep hearing so I just double checked my manual again regarding the spare. Here is what it says "THE CONVENTIONAL SPARE TIRE (IF EQUIPPED) - Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire which can be used as a spare or a regular tire. This spare tire is identical to the other tires on your vehicle, although the wheel style may not match. THE TEMPORARY SPARE TIRE (IF EQUIPPED) - Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary spare tire. This spare is smaller than a regular tire and is intended for emergency use only. Use this spare when you get a flat tire and replace it with a full-size tire as soon as possible. It is not recommended that the vehicle be operated in 4WD HIGH or LOW modes with a temporary spare. If 4WD HIGH or LOW operation is necessary, do not operate above speeds of 16 km/h (10 mph) or for distances above 80 km (50 miles). When driving with a temporary spare, DO NOT: 1) exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) under any circumstances; 2) load your vehicle so that it exceeds the maximum load rating listed on the tire decal; 3) tow a trailer; 4) use tire chains on this tire; 5) try to repair the temporary spare or remove it from its wheel; 6) use the wheel for any other type of vehicle; & 7) drive through an automatic car wash. There is no mention from Ford about the LSD or to put it on the front. Depending on my mood if I get a flat and the amount of time I have, I will consider putting it on the front though, just to be safe. Since I am well past warranty, I wouldn't want to have to have my LSD rebuilt just because Ford left an important bit of advise out of my manual.

I know my manual has other errors anyways. I just found out today when I went to buy new wiper blades. My manual calls for 16" in the front an 22" in the rear. Both automotive stores call for 18" on the front and 14" on the rear, which is what I actually have. I would never even get a 22" on the rear without it sticking out 4" past the side of my window."

 

[kurant045]

Thanks

I guess I shouldn't use that tire then. Holy s**t now where do I fit a 33" spare? I do plan on getting a roof rack with a spare tire holder, but that is gonna have to wait, until then I just pray I don't get a flat.

Is there anything that can be done to the factory spare holder at the bottom to fit a 33"??????