Full size spare too close to exhaust?

I just cut the tabs off and coaxed my new full size spare into its resting spot. I had to give it some encouragement to sit towards the rear more so as not to interfere with the rear diff. However, I think it is too close to the exhaust too. Any one have any thoughts or solutions?

 

My 255/80/17 spare was like that for years. I finally cut the exhaust at the turndown after the axle, then cut off the exhaust hangers. The exhaust wont get the tire too hot to do damage other than maybe possibly enhancing dry rot

 

You can always get a thermal blanket to shield the tire. I'd wrap it around the tire and not the exhaust though.

 

Mine was like that for a long time (over a year) and it doesn't seem to bother the tire. I run 5-tire rotation.

 

Thanks everyone. I think I'll just post some heat shield on the tire. Plan is to put it into rotation.