2002 spare tire size - again

[mikkelstuff]

I have had to replace the spare tire for my 2002 4WD Ranger XLT with a 16" rim to fit over the larger 2004 front disc brakes.

I bought a Dorman 939-19116" steel rim which fits quite well. Unfortunately my fine tire shop gave me a used 265/70R16 tire which at 30.6" diameter will not fit between the frame rails. I measure 30" between the rails.

Now I no longer know the size of my original 15" spare.

I would like to think any 29" diameter tire will fit in there but I would like to know before I try this again.

 

[09fx4guy]

If you have a 16" rim, I know the "full size" spare on mine is a 235/70R16, Continental Contitrac. I have been considering getting a larger tire, maybe a 255/70R16, which is about 30.1. If you get a used one, it will probably be a little smaller. The 265/70R16 is usually only a 30.5" tire (give or take).

 

[mikkelstuff]

Ok found my original spare tire was a 235/75R15 which has a theoretical diameter of 28.9 inches.

A 235/70R16 also has a theoretical diameter of 28.9 inches so I will give that size a try.

 

[CrabGuy]

Odd that yours doesn't fit between the frame. My 04 4x4 spare is a stock 16" wheel w/ 245/75-16 tire and fits just fine and had some room to spare. It's OD is 30.3", I guess the additional 3/8" on the 265/70 is a deal breaker. I know Ford provided a matched 16" OE spare. I just dropped mine 2 days ago to access my hitch and bumper bolts.

 

[sgtsandman]

I'm able to shoehorn a 31" BFG KO2 up in there but only just and technically, it isn't seated properly but it's up out of the way. mikkelstuff doesn't list his drivetrain, so maybe he has a RWD and there is something different about the frame compared to a 4X4??? I can't see how, I thought only the front section was different between the two but I've also not worked on a RWD Ranger that new...

 

[09fx4guy]

I think this is one of those YMMV situations. Maybe the 265/70R16 is not that worn down, and is just a bit too big.

Someday soon I am going to see about a different tire, a larger one, for my spare.