Will a 31 inch tire fit in the OE factory spare tire location?

[Smoke92]

Hey guys, my wifes 97 Explorer AWD 5.0L needs new tires soon and I think I am going to replaced the 235/75/15's with some 31x10.5x15 tires. I figure with it being AWD I better replace the spare tire as well so they are all the same diameter. I was wondering if there is enough space for the 31in tall tire and still have the spare be in the factory location? I'd rather not have to have it riding around in the back or have to put a spare tire carrier on just for a marginally taller tire. Let me know, Thanks.

 

[colintrax]

A 31 should fit as the explorers that came with 16" rims got 31's stock. I think a 31 or 32 is the biggest that can fit in the stock location, use the search thingy at the top. I've seen it discussed before

 

[Smoke92]

You know I just realized that a 235/75/15 is only 28.9 inches tall. I'm thinking I may go with 30x9.50x15, I know the 31s would look better but that might be a little bit too big of a size jump, I would hate for them to rub.

 

[Georgie]

yeah it fits no prob...just gotta bend a piece of sheet metal.

 

[AlexSport'00]

I've heard that with only minor changes, a 33" will fit, so a 31" should be no biggie. Also shouldn't rub, but I'm not 100% sure about that.

EDIT: This was in reference to the original question, not his second comment about the tires being too big on his actual vehicle.

 

[slickemhoundd]

31's rubbing not likely at all with tt/shackels. 33's aint happinen

 

[PowerFiend]

Hey guys, my wifes 97 Explorer AWD 5.0L needs new tires soon and I think I am going to replaced the 235/75/15's with some 31x10.5x15 tires. I figure with it being AWD I better replace the spare tire as well so they are all the same diameter. I was wondering if there is enough space for the 31in tall tire and still have the spare be in the factory location? I'd rather not have to have it riding around in the back or have to put a spare tire carrier on just for a marginally taller tire. Let me know, Thanks.

Don't forget to recalibrate your speedo.

 

[Georgie]

yeah it fits no prob...just gotta bend a piece of sheet metal.

 

[Norad]

I have a 265/75/16 sitting in the factory spare tire position

 

[AccordRanger]

i have a 265/75/16 sitting in the factory spare tire position

x2

 

[Beargap]

You know I just realized that a 235/75/15 is only 28.9 inches tall. I'm thinking I may go with 30x9.50x15, I know the 31s would look better but that might be a little bit too big of a size jump, I would hate for them to rub.

I ran with 30x9.50 Michelin LTX tires for many years on my '97 and they worked great. I briefly had some larger Dunlop tires, I forget the specific size but probably close to 31" , and they would rub at full lock turns. the 30" tires are the same outside diameter as the larger wheeled tires on the EB versions, and I found the Speedo was actually more accurate than before with no recalibration, while the odometer was about 3% off.

=Vic=

 

[Smoke92]

Thats good to know. I think I am going to go with some 30in BFG's. Sounds like I also shouldn't have a problem with the spare fitting either.

 

[FIND]

FWIW, an OEM optional stock size of tire for explorers is 255/70R16 (roughly 30" diameter), and those fit REAL well in the stock spare location with room to spare.