How to install a spare tire - the complicated way.

As many have seen, for the past month I have struggled how to install the full size spare tire. Since I have replaced the OEM wheels and tires with 275/65/18 on 18x9.5 -12, I was always concerned with having a flat and not having the right spare. Long ago I did just that and blew a diff.
In order to have the same tire I needed to have the same wheel...problem is the wheels have been discontinued 2 years ago and very hard to get. Since the spare tire deal was $500, I did not want to blemish the wheel. Initially I thought to install the spare in the truck bed but was price prohibitive. The other option was to install it under the truck where the OEM is located but didn't want to have it scratched by the hoisting bracket. After many questions here and different ideas, I finally installed it!!! It took a spacer, 6 nuts and a hammer to flatten the hoisting bracket claw. Done.
I have another spacer if interested.

Started with this.

And did this.

To protect this.

I came up with this idea.

To prevent this from scratching the face of the wheel.

And is finally in the place.

 

Nice work.

 

clever.

 

You won the internet today dude.

 

I just got a full size spare and I'm not able to get it tight under the bed. I am interested in that other spacer you have. I'm sending you a PM.

 

Nice.

Now I guess I have to consider changing my OEM spare. I upgraded to 33" on TRD 4runner wheels and figured I could limp home on the 31" spare in a pinch.

Rethinking that

 

Great idea. Very slick.

 

I didn’t think a spare tire would fit the anal way, congrats to you bro. That’s... pure dedication.

 

Nice, but I thought it might hurt when I originally read the thread title.

 

Nice job OP. The only thing I might add would be to somehow install a disk of plastic or other material the same diameter as the wheel to protect it further form gravel kicking up and scratching it.

 

***
Still hurts...

 

Hey, the title has been changed!

 

^^^
Some people could not read it at work...

 

That's pretty clever... I would not have thought of that...

 

I ended up cutting the sidewall off a truck tire and putting it between my spare and bed to keep the wheel and tire cushioned. It still doesn't fit tight, I think because of the offset.

 

Wait....what am I missing?

Why not just install it face up?

 

***
So I can play with the tit (air valve).
Also because in time the tire support (the one that the tire will be presses into under the truck bed) will make some marks on the tire and want them on the back not on the front.

 

Too easy. No challenge.

 

I used sheet rubber to keep the frame sections from digging into the sidewall.

 

Ok but...