Replacement spare tire/wheel

We just picked up a 2005 base Tacoma for my son. It didn't have a spare when we bought it and before I had a chance to research, he got a flat. The tires on it are 215/70/15. Is the spare a donut? And what's the best source for quick replacement? I guess I'd need the wheel specs and lug pattern for a full size spare, right?

 

The spare is full size but I didn't think you could fit 15s over the front rotors so I'm kind of at a loss here. The lug pattern is 6x5.5 and is typically a 16" wheel

 

What reallifedog said. If the tires are old id opt to replace all 4 and get a 5th for the spare. Pick up a steel wheel to put the spare on and it goes under the bed.

 

I don't believe the spares are donuts. At least mine isn't. The size of your spare would just need to match the size of the wheels and tires currently on the truck if that is what you intend on keeping on it. The bolt pattern is 6x139.7 (6x5.5), unless you have a 5-lug, in which case it is 5x114.3 (5x4.5).

 

It's a 5 lug based on the size. The spare is full sized. You can get a plain rim and tire from most tire shops such as Discount Tire.

 

Try a scrap yard, or maybe a tire store. Make sure to check the date code on the tire to be sure it is less than 10 years old. About a year ago I picked up a used tire that was only 3 years old from a tire shop to replace my 15-year-old spare. The spare had only been on the ground for around 1000 miles.

I'd also STRONGY suggest buying a set of tire plugs, tire repair tools and a small compressor that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Total cost will be well under $100. I keep one in every vehicle and over the last 20-30 years have plugged at least 20 tires. Mostly helping other people. It is a LOT easier, safer, and faster to plug the tire on the vehicle and air it back up than changing to the spare. Many times with a slow leak I've been able to just air it back up and get to a tire store and let them repair the tire. Other times I've had to plug it until I could get to a tire store. And other times what I did was enough.

I've only had to resort to putting my spare on once in my nearly 50 years of driving. The hole was just too big to plug. In 2011 I ran over something and had a flat in Oklahoma. I was able to get 3 plugs in the tire, air it up enough to get me to the next exit and to a tire store. The tire was too damaged to repair, but the tire store used their rack to put my spare on and charged me $10. That was the 1000 miles I put on the Tacoma spare getting it home.

 

I called our local tire guy and he suggested a salvage yard nearby. I have a call into them. It would be great to be able to get a matching wheel, but only if it's cheaper than a steelie.

Getting a plug kit would be a good idea. I've never done it, but watched it being done a couple of times. It can't be that hard. I haven't checked his tire yet to see what caused the flat, but it apparently went down over night, so it's gotta be a nail or something. New house being built down the street, too. That always concerns me.

 

My 2006 5 lug came with a full size 15x7 steel rim with a 215/70r15 tire mounted on it. And someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I think certain Jeeps and mustangs ran the same 5X4.5 bolt pattern so you should have some options if you go the scrapyard route. And most defiantly invest in plugs and a good 12v air compressor. Two flats and 1 spare is never fun!

 

I would prefer to have a spare that is specifically hub-centric to the Tacoma.

 

Not gonna argue there. I'm actually rather partial to the OEM steel rims.

 

Where are you located? I have an extra wheel available.

They are 15 x 6 and you can go to a 235 x 75 tire with no fitment issues on the stock wheel.

I gathered up a set of 'spare' wheels as I liked their look better than the ones on the ground. Added some trim rings. Just because.


And we have a 5 lug forum you may have interest in.

 

Thanks, Bill. We're in NC and I think I can find one around here without too much difficulty, but I appreciate the offer. Still waiting to hear back from the salvage yard.

 

EBay auto has posts on most spares so look them up if local does not come thru for you.

 

Just to update, the tire had very thin radian cut in the sidewall. So there wasn't really an option to plug it. The tire shop guys are always great. I had to take the cut tire up there, have them install a new tire, run back to the house to put it on, go back to the shop with the truck to do the other 3. All done within a couple of hours on a Friday afternoon. And they saved me the best of the used tires to put on a rim, once I find one.