16 inch spare steel wheel

[09fx4guy]

Hello,

I have a quick question, first let me set the scene.

I have a 2009 FX4 that came with the 16 inch aluminum y spoke wheels. The spare wheel is a 16x7 steel wheel with a 235/70R16 Continental Contitrac tire. It has a sticker on it that the tire / rim is for temporary use only.

I also have a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis that was in a minor fender-bender where one of the steel wheels got ever so slightly bent on the lip. I have driven over 5000 miles on it and it has been fine, but I want to replace the wheel for peace of mind.

When I looked at both rims, they appear to be identical, and the listing on websites lists the same steel wheel for either application.

Could I use the spare rim off of the Ranger as a replacement rim for everyday use on the Grand Marquis? Is the temporary sticker on the Ranger spare just there for legal reasons? I don't think they would have made two different rims that are identical. I would be changing the tires on the rims so they match the vehicle they are on.

If I can get away with not buying a used rim of unknown history that could be damaged, or getting a Dorman replacement, I would be happy.

 

[Ranger850]

I think the "temporary Use Only" is for the tire more than the rim

 

[sgtsandman]

I agree with Ranger850, I think the sticker is more for the tire mounted to the rim than for the rim.

 

[racsan]

I think they did that for cases where the truck came with 235/75/15’s but the spare was a different size like 225/70/15. My ‘93 was like that. Ive had that very tire/rim on my ranger trailer with 2000# of dirt in it and went highway speed with no issues. I think they were covering thier a$$es over someone running 2 different tires sizes , esp on the rear for too long and burning up spider gears or the limited slip clutch pack.

 

[09fx4guy]

Thanks guys, I kind of figured that the sticker was there as a "we have to do this because lawyers say it is the only way to keep us from being sued".

Long story short, the rims was not bent as I had originally thought, just a slight bend on one small spot on the bead. A couple hits with a 2lb sledge, and it looks just as it should.