Hey all,
So I went one tire size taller on my 2012 Tacoma 4x4. The owner at the tire shop said that the factory sized spare did not need to be replaced to match the new tire size. If I were to have a flat, it would be fine for a short distance.
If true, what would be considered "short distance"? And would it matter if front or rear? Of if needing to engage 4wd? Because if I am on a trip, on a weekend/holiday, it could be hundreds of miles for me. I pretty much have decided to replace the factory spare to match, but wanted to ask those of you who would know before I do. As always, thanks. JP
I did this same thing on my 1999 Ford Ranger. I found a matching spare rim in the junkyard for my truck, threw out the original spare tire and wheel, and had a matching tire installed on the new rim. Basically our entire highway network is under construction in my area, I drive on them at night and didn't want to chance driving on a slightly mismatched tire on a highway in the middle of the night. A matching spare will give you piece of mind.
One thing you'll want to pay attention to if you do it is how you'll carry it in your truck. I stowed my "new" wheel in the carrier under the bed. It's a little bit too big for the space in the frame, but I've had no issues with it. I accidentally drove over a poorly maintained section of country road with railroad tracks going 60 mph with the bigger wheel under there. The spare stayed in place like nothing happened.
If true, what would be considered "short distance"?
Probably just to get back to where you can get towed.
Unless there's some way to disable traction control ...
If you don't have a locking differential or traction control, it shouldn't matter. After all, that's the way a differential is supposed to work in the first place, one tire going faster than the other, as in around a corner. Same as having different size tires.
