Does my spare need to match?

Apologies in advanced for all the newb questions, but here it goes:

Do I need to swap out my factory spare that came with my 2014 SR5 Prerunner (245/75R16 Dunlop AT20 Grandtrek, 30.5x9.8) now that I have 285/70R17 Mickey Thompson ATZ P3's (33x11.5)?

If I do need to get a matching, full-size spare, do I need to match my 17x9 wheels or can I keep the factory spare wheel (assuming 16x7?)?

Would a 17x9 wheel fit under the bed where the spare goes (width-wise)?

Also, it's slim pickings to try and find a single 285/70R17 wheel/tire combo that isn't banged up or rusty here in Oahu; so could I SAFELY (without causing damage) go with a tire:
265/75R16? (keeping the spare wheel, and changing the tire only)
265/70R16? (keeping the spare wheel, and changing the tire only)
285/70R16? (keeping the spare wheel, and changing the tire only)
285/75R16? (keeping the spare wheel, and changing the tire only)
or 265/70R17? (changing the wheel and tire altogether)

Just trying to see what my options are. I only know that other TW members did to fit a 285/70R17 under the bed where the spare is kept, but was not sure about the dimensions of the wheel (width concern).

I'm also concerned about the lug nuts because my Pro Comp Vertigo (Series 40) wheels use different lug nuts than other wheels (spline?). If I keep the spare wheel (16") and change out the tire...will the Pro Comp spline lug nuts will work with the spare wheel/tire?

Lastly, do I need a different jack than the one that came with the truck to do a tire change if I ever get a flat with a Pro Comp 3" Nitro leveling lift kit?

 

It is always suggested to match your spare to the 4 tires you have mounted.

Then you can do a 5-tire rotation.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Was just hoping for a cheaper option. LOL!

Still wanting to see what my other safe options would be.

I also want to know about the lug nuts (will the spline lug nuts work on the stock spare wheel/tire), and would I need a Hi-lift jack? My taco is only a 2x4 so I have no plans to go serious off-roading.

 

I mean you COULD run with a stock spare. But it's kind of dangerous, IMO and depending on how far you need to go to get a replacement may put excessive wear on parts.

One thing keeping me from going up to 35s is that I'll no longer be able to mount it under the bed. So I'll have to hold off until I get a swing out carrier.

I'd say since you're a 2x4 and won't be as ballsy as the 4x4 guys, you should be good without a hilift.

 

Running a different size tire on your axle means your differential is working serious over time. Not recommended.

As far as your wheel questions: I'd get a cheap steel 17" if you're mounting under the bed but expect to have a helluva time to fit a 285/70R17 under there. It's also gonna hang down under the bumper a lot. As far as lug nuts: if you change the tire on the road are you going to change the lug nuts out as well? Don't worry about it. A 6 on 5.5" wheel is a 6 on 5.5" wheel. The stud pattern is more important.

*EDIT

You don't need a hi-lift jack.

 

Thanks, again.

Anyone else have any insights/recommendations?

 

Will the width of the 17" steel wheel matter?

 

Under the bed? Is the width one of those 11/12" wide wheels that stretch the tires out all weird? If so, yeah. If not? A 9/10" wheel is going to (look ehh) be narrower than the ~11" rubber on a 285mm wide tire.

 

Just saw in the OP they're 17x9 wheels.

The rubber on a 285/70R17 is ~11.2" wide and ~32.7" tall.

 

I currently have 17x9 wheels. But, since this is only a spare for emergencies, will I be okay with a 17x7 to 17x9 steel wheel with 285/70R17 tire?

 

That depends on the tire: different tires have different minimum wheel width requirements. I think 7" is usually too narrow for a 285 but I could be wrong.

I'd match if only for weight purposes.

 

And 'cause I'm a completely anal fuck who must have all matching. I picked up an extra matching spare wheel, but mine is also bolted to my bed.

 

Would the OEM 2005-2015 TRD 17x7.5 wheel wrapped in 285/70R17 a bad choice?

 

If the tire is ok with being on a 7.5" wide wheel you should be fine. As long as the spare is simply a spare and not gonna stay on for a ton of miles. With different wheels you have different back spacing which could change the vehicle slightly. I found it easiest to just pick up another wheel.

 

I'm actually pretty anal myself, but I also have a wife and a budget to consider in my decision making process. Happy wife, happy life...trying to keep my mods on the cheaper side of things. Another reason why I only have a 2x4, instead of a 4x4. I wish I was made of money to do everything I wanted, the way I want it...and in the time I want them.

Not having the funds is what makes this processes more challenging, and hence why I am reaching out to the TW brother/sisterhood to help me out as much as possible.

 

If it's gonna bother you eventually: I'd wait and pick up the spare and matching wheel to go with it. If not? Throw the 285 on the 17x7.5" wheel you have and call it a day.

 

This is definitely only for a spare. Not intended to rotate or us all the time, or to keep on for a long period of time. I would immediately get a replacement or have the current tire repaired as soon as possible.

EDIT: "Not intended to rotate or use all the time,..."

 

are you better off having a spare time that matches in size but is a completely different brand, or having the same brand but stock size?

 

I would vote for size, especially if you can get a similar weight on that wheel/tire combo. The make/model of tire is a lot less important to its rolling characteristics being similar to other tires... At least to the degree that a tire that is a completely different size is vastly different in rolling characteristics.

 

I was able to find an amazing deal for a LT 265/75R16 to replace my stock P245/75R16. Now that I have LT 285/70R17, the LT 265/75R16's would be a more comparable spare...even though it will not be the exact same.