Smaller spare tire in rear

Yesterday I had a large piece of metal enter my tire, and the hole was to big to patch. I have 265/75/16 on the truck, but my spare is a the factory size. Do I need to swap the spare from the rear tire to the front? New tire was ordered and should arrive tomorrow, but I will need my transportation to work, and to the tire shop. Thanks

2017 TRD sport

 

Make the fronts same size and spare on rear
Or call in sick

 

Definitely don't use it on the drive wheel. However, having it on the steering wheels is equally dangerous (will affect steering).

Personally I'd say, no, take an Uber to work. Or hitch a ride with a friend.

 

What he said

Also, order a 2nd tire to put on the spare wheel so you don't get stuck in that situation again.

 

Small difference

 

Put the smaller tire on the front so it doesn't affect the diff in the back. May need to turn off traction control if it wants to act up on you.

 

it only matters on a posi. rear

If you have a locker don't engage it.

I've seen poor people run around with 13"s, 14"s and 15"s all mixed up on old cars.

 

Not to mention spare donuts which are usually tiny compared to regular tires.

 

You should never use two different size tires on drive axles (rears) put it on the front (2WD) for emergency short drive only.

 

My old 4x4 Colorado had a locker on the rear. The manual was very specific in that it said to ALWAYS put the smaller size spare on the front. With a non-locker rear end it shouldn't matter for short term use. But it would still be a good idea to put the smaller tire up front.

 

When I swapped out my SR5 wheels and tires for Sport's I was wondering if I should buy another spare wheel and tire, but the difference is so minor I'd like to think I wouldn't have a problem. Using my current spare to get to a shop to get a fix.

 

GM uses an auto-locker that will engage by itself with a certain amount of RPM difference -- Not like the Toyota where we manually engage it. It'll be an open diff unless he locks it - therefore will be fine for short distances. loooooong term i'd imagine it would wear out the differential, but not after a couple days. It might piss off the traction control and stability control of course.

 

Well as much as everyone hates it when someone points out the obvious, I’m going to do it anyways. Always buy a matching spare when you buy new tires.

 

I was raised that you always put the spare on the rear, no matter what drive axle your car has for 3 reasons, 1. Spares are normally older and may be in worse condition than your normal tires ( they are for emergencies not to run 100's of miles) and may spontaneously fail. 2. Differentials are made to take corners... your tuck will just think it is always making a left turn. 3. The old timers say it can trow out your alignment. Reason #1 is the main reason, if it spontaneously failed in the rear it would be much safer/ easier to control the vehicle than in the front.

 

Update: I took the advice, and switched the spare to the front. Drove it 25 miles to work at 55 mph on the freeway. 0 issues. 0 dash lights (except the tpms).