Tire Dilemma.. Need Advice - Problem Solved.... Lessons Learned

[Jerry D Finley]

4/22/25- AWD Life (and Tire) Lessons Learned:
Just a follow up concerning what to do if you end up with a unfix-able flat or damaged tire on your AWD Explorer rather than replacing all 4, which many here and there have advocated.

Over the last few days I learned a lot on the subject and came up with two viable options to spending big bucks on a full 4 tire set should you be caught (or cursed) with one damaged tire like I was...

1. If you end up with a damaged tire, take the tire to your local tire store and let them measure the tread depth (It's only takes a couple of minutes.) In my case the tread depth for all 4 tires on my 2014 XLT was 8/32nds. In actuality, it's best if you can take your vehicle so they can measure all 4 tires.. With that information in hand, contact any reputable tire selling company like TheTireRack and order a single replacement tire .. same brand.. same tire model ... same size and have them shave the tread down to (in my case.. 8/32nds) to match your other 3 tires. The shaving service is $30 on top of the price of the new tire... You'll save yourself about $600 or so... or..

2. There's a massive tire company in Chicago called UnitedTires and they sell exclusively on eBay.. They sell new and used tires... If you go to eBay and type in the brand, size, and model used tire you need to replace your bad one.. (in my case it was a MaxTour LX GT Radial 245/60/R18) you'll get dozens of listings of that specific used tire in various tread depths.. In my case I needed 8/32nds and they had quite a few used Maxtour LX GT Radials for sale with that exact tread depth. Price was about $88 delivered for one or around $175 delivered for (2). They guarantee satisfaction or your money back. Instead of buying an entire set of 4, you simply buy one used tire to match your other 3 with the same tread depth. You'll save at least $700....

Hope this helps somebody...

4/21/25- UPDATE:
Well got this problem solved or at least in progress.. Spoke to my go-to tire rep an hour ago (at the TireRack.com). I've been buying tires from them for over 25 years.. He said to buy a new tire to match the others and they'll shave it down for $30 to match the others... so.. I took my Explorer to the local Discount Tires and they made all the measurements, I forwarded those to Tire Rack and placed the order... Bam.. Done.

In the 70 years I've been on this earth, I've never heard of a tire being shaved.. I learned something today...
Thanks everyone for all the advice and suggestions...
_________________________________________

Started the day with a flat tire on my 2014 Ford Explorer XLT.... Put the spare on and took it to the nearest tire repair store... I just left there with potentially bad news... Need some advice...

The tire guy said that the tire can't be repaired, but he could NOT sell me a new one because if you mix a new tire with 3 others that are 1/2 life or better.. it would damage or even ruin my all-wheel drive transmission.. He says my only options are A buy all new tires or B. find a used tire place and look for a same size tire with the same or within 2mm tread depth and have it installed.... Before I left the store he turned off the AWD feature.

I was prepared to have to buy a new tire... but not 4 !... Worse case scenario, couldn't I buy both rears so they'd match height-wise in the rear? Is all this true? I've never heard of such a thing... Opinions welcome...

 

[Ironworker40]

No on changing the rears only. Fronts and rears need to be all the same size, it has been like this on all 4wd since they were invented. This is why a 4wd has the same axle ratio in the front and back. With the non all wheel drive, real transfer case trucks, you could do just rears or fronts.
How did he turn off the 4WD?

 

[Jerry D Finley]

No on changing the rears only. Fronts and rears need to be all the same size, it has been like this on all 4wd since they were invented. This is why a 4wd has the same axle ratio in the front and back. With the non all wheel drive, real transfer case trucks, you could do just rears or fronts.
How did he turn off the 4WD?

Thanks for the reply... Coincidentally... I just hung up the phone with a tire expert who says almost the opposite.. He said as long as it's the same brand and same size, I'll be fine with buying one tire.. Spoke 1/2 a dozen other "non-expert" 4WD and AWD people yesterday and they all said to buy both rears and I'll be fine... I'll be speaking with MY tire go-to people tomorrow at The TireRack.com to see what they say... Obviously.. there's a lot of misinformation going around on this subject. I'll add.. my last vehicle was a 2003 Ford Explorer with all wheel drive and I mixed and matched tires with gleeful abandon for all the years I had it and by the time I sold it with almost 200K on it... everything on it had broken or been replaced EXCEPT the transmission.. Maybe I was lucky... ??

Honestly.. I have no idea how he turned it off, but I have a big icon on the left hand side of the speedo stating it's turned off as if it was a simple setting adjustment. I didn't notice until I had driven away..

Thanks for the advice... You may be right... As of today, the answers are all over the place and I'm leaning towards finding one of those used tire places and finding a tire the same size and with the same tread depth..

 

[willyboyrat]

you keep saying 4wd, explorers are all wheel drive not 4wd, unless you have an older model, AWD (All-Wheel Drive) is a full-time system that automatically distributes power to all four wheels, offering improved traction and stability in various conditions. 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive), on the other hand, is typically a part-time system that requires the driver to manually engage it when needed, providing greater traction and capability for off-road driving and challenging terrain. with 4 wheel drive you can mix tire sizes to a point unless you run in 4wd all the time where as awd they really should be closer in size due to the fact that it is all wheel drive I know people use 4wd and awd for the same description but they are different not trying to be an instigator but I am a tech and if you say explorer and 4wd I will be thinking your talking about an old model. some of what is making it hard for repair shops now days is people don't know or want to learn about there cars or what things are called on there car heck had 4 people trying to change a spare tire the other day none of them had a clue I helped them and was done in 15 minutes they thought I was a god ha ha I strongly believe that before you can graduate high school and before you cant get a drivers license that it become a law to take a basic auto repair class people don't even know how to check their oil anymore or tire pressures like I said not trying to start anything just some advice if you go to a shop and know at least somewhat what your talking about the shop is usually nicer to you since they don't have to waste 20 30 minutes when you try to explain something. Yes you can turn awd drive off, the newer explorers up to about 2019 are just fwd made into awd so just grab forscan and turn all the settings required to turn on the awd drive system and turn them off, basically make it a fwd auto only

 

[Jerry D Finley]

you keep saying 4wd, explorers are all wheel drive not 4wd, unless you have an older model, AWD (All-Wheel Drive) is a full-time system that automatically distributes power to all four wheels, offering improved traction and stability in various conditions. 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive), on the other hand, is typically a part-time system that requires the driver to manually engage it when needed, providing greater traction and capability for off-road driving and challenging terrain. with 4 wheel drive you can mix tire sizes to a point unless you run in 4wd all the time where as awd they really should be closer in size due to the fact that it is all wheel drive I know people use 4wd and awd for the same description but they are different not trying to be an instigator but I am a tech and if you say explorer and 4wd I will be thinking your talking about an old model. some of what is making it hard for repair shops now days is people don't know or want to learn about there cars or what things are called on there car heck had 4 people trying to change a spare tire the other day none of them had a clue I helped them and was done in 15 minutes they thought I was a god ha ha I strongly believe that before you can graduate high school and before you cant get a drivers license that it become a law to take a basic auto repair class people don't even know how to check their oil anymore or tire pressures like I said not trying to start anything just some advice if you go to a shop and know at least somewhat what your talking about the shop is usually nicer to you since they don't have to waste 20 30 minutes when you try to explain something. Yes you can turn awd drive off, the newer explorers up to about 2019 are just fwd made into awd so just grab forscan and turn all the settings required to turn on the awd drive system and turn them off, basically make it a fwd auto only

If I said mine was a 4WD.. that was just a mistake. My 2014 is AWD.... Pretty sure everyone here knows that... My bad.. . I'm trying to get advice from as many people as I can because answers all all over the place...

 

[Michael Blackburn]

It also is not a "true" AWD like Subarus or Audis have. No vicious coupling between the front and rear axles.
The Explorer has electrically controlled clutches for the rear wheels in the differential.
If you have the driveline display on the left side of the speedo cluster, you can see the power distribution between front and back.
On mine the only time the rear wheels drive is on hard acceleration or in "Sand" mode. 90% of the time the rear tires freewheel.
So, I'd say buy two new tires and put them on the front axle where they wear faster.

Fritz

 

[SofaKing95]

or....or....you could just do what the manufacturer of the vehicle recommends...they spent tens if not hundreds of millions in research designing the vehicle...I would take their advice over some counter jockey at the tire store or TireRack.

Appears to me that the first "tire guy" gave you solid advice. Let's see what Ford says.....


To avoid potential All-Wheel Drive (AWD) malfunction or (AWD) system damage, it is recommended to replace all four tires rather than mixing significantly worn tires with new tires.

Looks like the key to your dilemma is whether the tires are "significantly worn"


Source: Ford link

Tire Replacement Requirements​

Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and handling capability.

WARNING: Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the same size, as those originally provided for your vehicle. The required tire and wheel sizes, along with the minimum required Load and Speed Index, can be found on the Tire Label on the driver side door frame or the edge of the driver door. If this information is not found in those locations, or for additional options, contact your authorized dealer. Use of any tire or wheel not recommended, could affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious injury, when mounting replacement tires and wheels, you should not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire to set the beads without additional precautions listed below. If the beads do not seat at the maximum pressure indicated, re-lubricate and try again. WARNING: For a mounting pressure more than 20 psi (1.38 bar) greater than the maximum pressure, a Ford dealer or other tire service professional should do the mounting. WARNING: Always inflate steel carcass tires with a remote air fill with the person inflating standing at a minimum of 12 ft (3.66 m) away from the wheel and tire assembly. WARNING: Only use the specified jacking points. If you use any other locations you could damage vehicle components, such as brake lines. WARNING: When inflating the tire for mounting pressures up to 20 psi (1.38 bar) greater than the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall, the following precautions must be taken to protect the person mounting the tire:

• Make sure that you have the correct tire and wheel size.
• Lubricate the tire bead and wheel bead seat area again.
• Stand at a minimum of 12 ft (3.66 m) away from the wheel and tire assembly.
• Use both eye and ear protection.

Important: Remember to replace the wheel valve stems when the road tires are replaced on your vehicle.
It is recommended that the two front tires or two rear tires generally be replaced as a pair if the worn tires still have usable depth.
To avoid potential All-Wheel Drive (AWD) malfunction or (AWD) system damage, it is recommended to replace all four tires rather than mixing significantly worn tires with new tires.
The tire pressure sensors mounted in the wheels (originally installed on your vehicle) are not designed to be used in aftermarket wheels.
The use of wheels or tires not recommended may affect the operation of your tire pressure monitoring system.
If the tire pressure monitoring system indicator is flashing, your system is malfunctioning. Your replacement tire might be incompatible with your tire pressure monitoring system, or some component of the system may be damaged.
Age

WARNING: Tires degrade over time depending on many factors such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure) the tires experience throughout their lives.In general, tires should be replaced after six years regardless of tread wear. However, heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging process and may require tires to be replaced more frequently.You should replace your spare tire when you replace the road tires or after six years due to aging even if it has not been used.

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number
Both United States and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters DOT and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The next three numbers or letters are the plant code designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000, the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.

Started the day with a flat tire on my 2014 Ford Explorer XLT.... Put the spare on and took it to the nearest tire repair store... I just left there with potentially bad news... Need some advice...

The tire guy said that the tire can't be repaired, but he could NOT sell me a new one because if you mix a new tire with 3 others that are 1/2 life or better.. it would damage or even ruin my all-wheel drive transmission.. He says my only options are A buy all new tires or B. find a used tire place and look for a same size tire with the same or within 2mm tread depth and have it installed.... Before I left the store he turned off the 4WD feature.

I was prepared to have to buy a new tire... but not 4 !... Worse case scenario, couldn't I buy both rears so they'd match height-wise in the rear? Is all this true? I've never heard of such a thing... Opinions welcome...

 

[Ironworker40]

Yes you can turn awd drive off, the newer explorers up to about 2019 are just fwd made into awd so just grab forscan and turn all the settings required to turn on the awd drive system and turn them off, basically make it a fwd auto only

Well the tire guy did not use for scan to turn off the AWD. I know of no way to do it in a 5th gen explorer.

 

[Jerry D Finley]

Well the tire guy did not use for scan to turn off the AWD. I know of no way to do it in a 5th gen explorer.

I had a thought last night while I should have been sleeping... I'm wondering if the vehicle automatically turned off the AWD feature once it detected that crappy little spare tire on it... Kind of a self preservation feature... On second thought, that's more likely than the tire technicians doing it... My guess is... when I get a new tire on it, the AWD feature will resume on it's own...

 

[SofaKing95]

In the 70 years I've been on this earth, I've never heard of a tire being shaved.. I learned something today...
Thanks everyone for all the advice and suggestions...
_________________________________________

I think I heard about that in racing years ago....make that decades ago...but as a service for regular consumers...new one for me too.

 

[Steve8316]

...if you mix a new tire with 3 others that are 1/2 life or better.. it would damage or even ruin my all-wheel drive transmission.

Did he tell you where he learned that? Or which vehicles it applies to? Because it certainly doesn't apply to mine.

...he turned off the 4WD feature.

I doubt that. There is no switch or lever to do that on these vehicles. I've only owned one for a few months, but I haven't seen a procedure to do it, either.

Is all this true? I've never heard of such a thing.

Did you read the owner guide? It tells the truth. Mine says:

...the AWD system is capable of tolerating any combination of new and worn tires of the same original tire size. For example, using 3 worn tread tires and 1 new tread tire all of the same original tire size, can be tolerated by the AWD system.

Fronts and rears need to be all the same size...on all 4wd since they were invented.

That's not even vaguely true. I've run mixed tire sizes on MANY 4WD vehicles with no ill effects at all. Sometimes for years & many thousands of miles.

This is why a 4wd has the same axle ratio in the front and back.

I have 5 4WD trucks right now - all of them in stock configuration, and not one of them has the same front ratio as rear. So again - you're wrong.

there's a lot of misinformation going around on this subject.

True dat!

...I have a big icon on the left hand side of the speedo stating it's turned off ...

I'd be interested to see that, since it's not mentioned in any document I've seen.

...all the settings required to turn on the awd drive system...

Which settings are those? I didn't notice any on mine.

It also is not a "true" AWD...

Yes, it truly is AWD.

No vicious coupling between the front and rear axles.

That's not true AWD; it's a viscous (liquid) coupling that tends to make the other 2 (usually rear) wheels turn with the 2 truly-driven (usually front) wheels. But those 2 are not truly driven, so it's not true AWD. These have positive mechanical connection between the front & rear wheels making them truly AWD.

The Explorer has electrically controlled clutches for the rear wheels in the differential.

Where did you read that? This is how mine works:

The AWD system consists of the following:

Power Transfer Unit (PTU)
Rear halfshafts
Driveshaft
AWD relay module
Rear Drive Unit (RDU)
Active Torque Coupling (ATC) solenoid (integral to the Rear Drive Unit (RDU)
PCM for system control logic
The AWD system is an active system, which means it not only responds to wheel slip between the front and rear axles but also has the ability to anticipate wheel slip and transfer torque to the rear wheels before the slip occurs. The AWD system is active all the time and requires no input from the operator.

The AWD system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and automatically adjusts the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. During normal operation, most of the torque is delivered to the front wheels. If wheel slip between the front and rear wheels is detected, the vehicle is under heavy acceleration or if the vehicle is in a handling event, the AWD system increases the duty cycle to the Active Torque Coupling (ATC) solenoid. The ATC solenoid engages a pilot clutch in the Rear Drive Unit (RDU) which in turn sets a ball ramp device in motion. The ball ramp device applies the main clutch pack in the RDU and increases torque to the rear wheels as necessary. When the AWD system is functioning properly, there should be no perceived speed difference between the front and rear axles when launching or driving the vehicle on any uniform surface. Traction should be similar to a part time 4WD system operating in 4H (4X4 HIGH), but have no binding in turns.

I'm wondering if the vehicle automatically turned off the AWD feature once it detected that crappy little spare tire on it... Kind of a self preservation feature.

That's what my owner guide says mine does. Read your owner guide. If you don't have one, or if you just want one that's easy to search & carry, download the free PDF directly from Ford.

Select Country - FordServiceInfo.Com

 

[Jerry D Finley]

Did he tell you where he learned that? Or which vehicles it applies to? Because it certainly doesn't apply to mine.

I doubt that. There is no switch or lever to do that on these vehicles. I've only owned one for a few months, but I haven't seen a procedure to do it, either.

Did you read the owner guide? It tells the truth. Mine says:


That's not even vaguely true. I've run mixed tire sizes on MANY 4WD vehicles with no ill effects at all. Sometimes for years & many thousands of miles.

I have 5 4WD trucks right now - all of them in stock configuration, and not one of them has the same front ratio as rear. So again - you're wrong.

True dat!

I'd be interested to see that, since it's not mentioned in any document I've seen.

Which settings are those? I didn't notice any on mine.

Yes, it truly is AWD.

That's not true AWD; it's a viscous (liquid) coupling that tends to make the other 2 (usually rear) wheels turn with the 2 truly-driven (usually front) wheels. But those 2 are not truly driven, so it's not true AWD. These have positive mechanical connection between the front & rear wheels making them truly AWD.

Where did you read that? This is how mine works:


That's what my owner guide says mine does. Read your owner guide. If you don't have one, or if you just want one that's easy to search & carry, download the free PDF directly from Ford.

Select Country - FordServiceInfo.Com

Not sure what your point is Steve, but it kinda looks like you are questioning my intent at best and at worst.. calling me a liar... Is that what you are doing? I came here seeking information after getting very disturbing news ... We're still trying to dig out from under the wrath of Hurricane Helene here in Asheville and money is tight and paying $800+ for new tires after getting a flat is disturbing. When told by virtually every tire expert in the area and some outside the area that I needed to buy 4 new tires, I did what I always do.. Freak out for a few minutes, gather my thoughts, then do my usual OCD research including asking Explorer owners here on this forum and every AWD owner I know.... I reported my research and results here hoping for a thank you or a sympathetic pat on the back. I didn't come here expecting pushback... Slow day on your end?

First... you question where I got the initial diagnosis that I'd have to buy all 4 tires... As if I made it up..? Let me help with that.. On the day before Easter, Meineke Car Care Center diagnosed the ruined tire and then proceeded to tell me they couldn't/wouldn't sell me a new tire because it would wreck my AWD transmission.. "You'll need to buy all 4 or find a used tire of the exact same brand, size, and tread depth." So I called the local Firestone and they told me the same thing.. So I called Discount Tire and they told me the same thing...Then I called the Cooper tire company and they told me the same thing. Then I called the place that I've purchased tires for 20+years.. TheTireRack... He suggested buying a new tire and just shaving it down, but didn't have a new tire in stock. I asked for a similar model Cooper tire of the same size and he said.. he would NOT recommend any other model tire than the exact same one on my truck.. That's pretty definitive, in my book...

Lastly...as to your assertion that your owner's guide says.. " ...the AWD system is capable of tolerating any combination of new and worn tires of the same original tire size. For example, using 3 worn tread tires and 1 new tread tire all of the same original tire size, can be tolerated by the AWD system. " Honestly...No.. I did not read my manual and that sounds like good news to all AWD owners. I intend to go check for myself as soon as I finish this reply.. That has been my opinion for decades and I'd love nothing else than to take a copy of that page to show all the "experts that told me otherwise.., but again.. everyone I've spoken to told me the exact opposite.. So it would appear that either all these experts were wrong.. or the misinformation runs deep.

I believe I've wasted enough of my time addressing your concerns... Oh... here's a pic of the icon on my dash that you were questioning..

 

[Steve8316]

... calling me a liar... Is that what you are doing?

No, if I were calling anyone a liar (and I wasn't), it would be HIM - not you. But I was only asking (not saying) if he explained to you where he got the info he was giving you.

As if I made it up..?

Again: no - as if HE might have made it up (which it appears more likely now that he did).

Not sure what your point is Steve...
Honestly...No.. I did not read my manual...

THAT was my main point.

...it would appear that either all these experts were wrong.. or...

...or they're not "experts", and you shouldn't assume that everyone (or anyone) who gives you an answer to a technical question IS an expert. Also remember that someone can be an "expert" in a specific field or subject (like tire sales, or '80-96 F-series & Broncos, or neurosurgery, or ditch-digging) but NOT an expert in some others (like '11-up Explorers).

...wasted enough of my time addressing your concerns...

They're not my concerns - they're yours. You posted about them. I was merely discussing them, to encourage you to take a closer look at what you were told, and to go to the best source for answers (the owner guide).

But since you brought it up - how much of our time & yours did you waste by NOT reading the owner guide? (That's rhetorical.)

here's a pic of the icon on my dash that you were questioning.

I wasn't "questioning" it - I just wanted to see it because I've never seen it in mine, or in my owner guide.

Thanks for the pic. (That's what I say to someone who has answered one or more of my questions - I don't accuse him of calling me a liar.) When you said "icon", I was imagining something more like your low-tire icon that's lit up below the message center. Or the powertrain fault (wrench icon) described in the owner guide.

 

[Ironworker40]

This is from the owners manual online at fordservicecontent.com
"If your vehicle is equipped with 4WD, a spare tire of a different size other than the tire provided should never be used. If the mini-spare tire is installed, the 4WD system may disable automatically and enter front-wheel drive only mode to protect driveline components. This condition may be indicated by an 4WD Off message in the information display. If there is an 4WD Off message in the message center from using the spare tire, this indicator should turn off after reinstalling the repaired or replaced normal road tire and cycling the ignition off and on. It is recommended to reinstall the repaired or replaced road tire as soon as possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front and rear axles could cause the 4WD system to stop functioning and default to front-wheel drive or damage the 4WD system."

So the AWD is disabled if you put your spare on and that's were the message came from.

 

[Steve8316]

...you put your spare on and that's were the message came from.

You're assuming he put on an undersized spare. He might have, but he hasn't said so yet.

 

[Ironworker40]

...the AWD system is capable of tolerating any combination of new and worn tires of the same original tire size. For example, using 3 worn tread tires and 1 new tread tire all of the same original tire size, can be tolerated by the AWD system.
What page is this on?

I have 5 4WD trucks right now - all of them in stock configuration, and not one of them has the same front ratio as rear. So again - you're wrong.

If you're talking about a 3.55/3.54 or a 4.10/4.09 for example yes but that is done due to different size ring gears front and back for example a dana 50 front vs a 10.25'' sterling rear which is what my f250 had. But if you say you have a for example 3.55 and a 4.10 I have never seen this.
Part time 4wd trucks can tolerate a new tire with other being worn out. Are you are saying you have completely different diameter tires front and back or side to side?

 

[Ironworker40]

You're assuming he put on an undersized spare. He might have, but he hasn't said so yet.

Yes I assumed that because that's what the explorers come with a mini spare or doughnut whatever you want to call it except I believe the PIU his is an XLT

 

[willyboyrat]

Yes, Ford Explorers with AWD can automatically switch to FWD when a compact spare tire is installed. This is a safety feature to protect the drivetrain from potential damage caused by the different tire sizes. The system may also default to FWD if the AWD is overheating. The "AWD OFF" message will typically appear in the message center, and should clear after reinstalling the regular road tire and cycling the ignition Using spare tire and AWD off

 

[Jerry D Finley]

No, if I were calling anyone a liar (and I wasn't), it would be HIM - not you. But I was only asking (not saying) if he explained to you where he got the info he was giving you.

Again: no - as if HE might have made it up (which it appears more likely now that he did).

THAT was my main point.

...or they're not "experts", and you shouldn't assume that everyone (or anyone) who gives you an answer to a technical question IS an expert. Also remember that someone can be an "expert" in a specific field or subject (like tire sales, or '80-96 F-series & Broncos, or neurosurgery, or ditch-digging) but NOT an expert in some others (like '11-up Explorers).

They're not my concerns - they're yours. You posted about them. I was merely discussing them, to encourage you to take a closer look at what you were told, and to go to the best source for answers (the owner guide).

But since you brought it up - how much of our time & yours did you waste by NOT reading the owner guide? (That's rhetorical.)

I wasn't "questioning" it - I just wanted to see it because I've never seen it in mine, or in my owner guide.

Thanks for the pic. (That's what I say to someone who has answered one or more of my questions - I don't accuse him of calling me a liar.) When you said "icon", I was imagining something more like your low-tire icon that's lit up below the message center. Or the powertrain fault (wrench icon) described in the owner guide.

For what it's worth... I checked my manual and while it says 2014 Ford Explorer on the cover... the content seemed pretty generic and not definitive on the subject. In one place it did mention you can replace a single tire if necessary of the same brand, size, and model... In another place it said that if you change one rear tire to always change both rear at the same time.. Same with the front.. If you replace one... always replace both.. The second tip is the one that I thought was most logical to this entire debate...

That being said... the manual didn't come out and say.. "buy all four." One would assume that if it was 100% juju to replace only a single tire there would have been a bold warning in the manual.

Also.. I did discover that any time there's a size discrepancy of any of the tries (like running on a spare tire), that dash icon (in my picture) will trigger automatically and the truck will default into FWD..

Still no definitive answer although there seems to be a rather large grey area filled with "experts."... Haven't seen anything like this since the "climate change" debate..

BTW.. This email came in just moments ago further muddying the water...... (pasted)
________________________

Hello Jerry,
Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, that is all correct. In an AWD vehicle, all tires need to be the same brand, model, and tread design while most importantly, all 4 tires need to be within 2/32nds of an inch of tread of one another. It would not be advisable to have any tires with more than a 2/32nds tread difference as that will damage the vehicle's all-wheel drive system. No exceptions.

Thank you,
Devin Wojturski | Technical Specialist / TheTireRack

 

[Steve8316]

What page is this on?

Last line of the first column of p.115 of the '16 PIU owner guide v3 PDF.

...3.55/3.54 or a 4.10/4.09 for example yes but that is done due to different size ring gears...

The size of the ring gear is irrelevant. If Ford told Spicer to deliver 1,000 front differentials per day with the exact same ratio as the rears, that's what they'd get. Ford intentionally designed the truck with a higher (numerically lower) front ratio so those tires would spin faster, and thus pull the trucks through turns. GM & Dodge designed them with the same ratios, and their trucks plow & slide through turns.

Are you are saying you have completely different diameter tires front and back or side to side?

Yes, I have. Probably 31x10.50R15 and P265/75R15, but I don't remember specifically. Why would you think different tires would matter when a part-time 4WD truck is in 2H? I've even driven for several months with 3.54 front and 3.08 rear (or maybe it was 3.07 front & 3.55 rear) with the same size tires. I didn't do many miles in 4WD that way, but I did SOME.

This email came in just moments ago further muddying the water...
________________________

... It would not be advisable to have any tires with more than a 2/32nds tread difference as that will damage the vehicle's all-wheel drive system. No exceptions.
...Technical Specialist / TheTireRack

Lemme go grab a fistful of salt to take with that! I just can't take anyone seriously who disagrees with the vehicle mfr.; especially when the mfr. in question is the oldest, stablest, industry-leadingest mfr. there is. Of course you're entitled to trust anyone you like, but do you know what this guy's qualifications are? Is he ASE-certified? Or has he just been with TireRack so long that they anointed him with that title? And again - where did he learn this factoid he's espousing to you as gospel?

I guess I'm just more-critical (in the sense of discerning) than most.