Spare Tire ize

[Dan Whitaker]

When my Goodyear HT's wear out I want to go with either BFG AT's or MT's in a 30X9.50X15 or 31X10.50X15.The Goodyeras are 235 75 15. What I'm worried about is my spare, I don't think I will be able to fit a 30X9.50X15 or 31X10.50xX15 spare under my Mountaineer. I also have a class 3 receiver hitch that is awfully close to the spare.
If I cant fit the 30 or 31 spare in the factory location and go with a 235 75 15 spare how will this efect my All Wheel Drive if I need to use my spare?

 

[Jason_25]

Not sure about the effects of the spare but definitely get the 31x10.50's. Also, you could always put a full size spare on the roof. It would look really good up there. Also, if you don't mind the room it takes up, you can always put it in the back.

And a 30x9.50 might fit in the spare location but I doubt a 31x10.50 will.

 

[Robert]

The size should be close enough to not cause a problem. Your tires turn at speed differences greater than you will see with the different tire sizes every time you go around a corner, although for less difference. My Control Trac Equipped '97 came with a 27" spare and 30" tires from Ford. That difference is much greater than you will see. I don't know if the AWD would react differently though to a small sized spare than my Control Trac does. If I have to use my spare, it will go on the front. If you go with a smaller size spare, it would probably be best to use it on the front too. Since your front is constantly powered, it might not matter which end you put the spare on. If you have a limited slip, put the spare on the front.