What size spare?
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
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What size spare?
I am considering going to a larger diameter rear tire, would fill in the wheel well better. I would like to have the spare wheel in place. (Car is a 73) Would it make sense to have the spare match the rear diameter, so not to damage the rear end, but not sure if it would create a problem for the front end. Thanks for any advice!
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I would match the rear diameter but keep it narrow enough to steer the front. You wouldnt be able to drive fast or safely with it in the front, but you could limp off the highway to a safer parking lot to get a spare that fit the front. You could keep the front spare at your house and have it delivered to that safer parking lot
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 95
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From: North Central IL.
Definitely keep the same tire diameter regardless of the rim diameter. If you need to use it in the rear non matching rear tire diameters will cause the diff clutches to constantly slip and could burn them up.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
I would keep the spare tire as close to the original width and diameter as possible and mount it on a 8" wide with 4" back space light weight aluminum wheel to reduce a little weight.
That way you could mount it on the front or rear without any clearance issues.
If you've lowered your car and need a shorter diameter tire, buy your spare tire the same height as you are running on your car now.
Remember you are just a lucky to get a flat on a front as you are a rear tire, so make sure it will fit and have clearance on all four corners.
That way you could mount it on the front or rear without any clearance issues.
If you've lowered your car and need a shorter diameter tire, buy your spare tire the same height as you are running on your car now.
Remember you are just a lucky to get a flat on a front as you are a rear tire, so make sure it will fit and have clearance on all four corners.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
Spare tire
I would match the rear diameter but keep it narrow enough to steer the front. You wouldnt be able to drive fast or safely with it in the front, but you could limp off the highway to a safer parking lot to get a spare that fit the front. You could keep the front spare at your house and have it delivered to that safer parking lot
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Frisco TX
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From: eastern NC
A different size (circumference/diameter) on the rear however could cause problems with a posi unit however if driven that way long enough. A few miles would probably be okay, but I wouldn't want to drive it 50 miles that way.
I also have a '73 Corvette (convertible) and bought two different 225/70-R15 Goodyears and could not get either to fit inside of the stock tub. They were just too tall. I have fit a 255/60-R15 (Goodyear) in there however.
Good luck... GUSTO
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
A large diameter and width tire will not fit well on the front of a '73 car. Many 245R60-15 tires will rub the frame/wheel-well when turning. I'd suggest not putting anything over a 255 width tire on front...even as a temp spare.
Hey! If you have a cellphone and Hagerty auto insurance, you can just call the flatbed and have it towed home. No spare needed!!!
Hey! If you have a cellphone and Hagerty auto insurance, you can just call the flatbed and have it towed home. No spare needed!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 366
Likes: 19
Different diameter tires
Two different size tires on the front will not cause mechanical damage, but if significantly different it could affect handling. Probably not enough to be considered unsafe at normal speeds however.
A different size (circumference/diameter) on the rear however could cause problems with a posi unit however if driven that way long enough. A few miles would probably be okay, but I wouldn't want to drive it 50 miles that way.
I also have a '73 Corvette (convertible) and bought two different 225/70-R15 Goodyears and could not get either to fit inside of the stock tub. They were just too tall. I have fit a 255/60-R15 (Goodyear) in there however.
Good luck... GUSTO
A different size (circumference/diameter) on the rear however could cause problems with a posi unit however if driven that way long enough. A few miles would probably be okay, but I wouldn't want to drive it 50 miles that way.
I also have a '73 Corvette (convertible) and bought two different 225/70-R15 Goodyears and could not get either to fit inside of the stock tub. They were just too tall. I have fit a 255/60-R15 (Goodyear) in there however.
Good luck... GUSTO
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
Glib answer: My spare is 3 3/8" by 2 1/8" and fits in my wallet.
Serious answer: I'd match the rear wheel diameter to avoid burning up your diff or posi clutches. Up front, width is the big factor in rubbing, not diameter, so use a compact spare, or thinner profile tire.
Serious answer: I'd match the rear wheel diameter to avoid burning up your diff or posi clutches. Up front, width is the big factor in rubbing, not diameter, so use a compact spare, or thinner profile tire.