Replacing spare tire

[5bird7]

Many of us might want to look into what tire size is available to fit the spare tire rim.

What you have on the rim right now is a 185 60 17 size and you have about an inch of spare room left before it hits the cover.

For those with 02s, the spare tires are now 8 years old.

Their life being used is limited to begin with so you may get by without replacing for another few years but then you'll still want to find a tire that fits the rim.

Does anyone know of a source for a NEW tire to fit the spare tire rim and fit in the wheel well with the cover on without the cover wobbling?

[007Cruiser]

Re: Replacing spare tire

Another way could be a switch to run flats for your tires. That way you can get rid of the spare for more room in the trunk.

[5bird7]

Re: Replacing spare tire

Gene, if one goes to a run flat tire, how do you know when that tire has gone flat and needs to be replaced?

[007Cruiser]

Re: Replacing spare tire

Gene, if one goes to a run flat tire, how do you know when that tire has gone flat and needs to be replaced?

I've never used them but there's probably a difference in the ride that would let you know. It's my understanding that they do have a harder ride than regular tires.

[Leroy]

Re: Replacing spare tire

With some new cars now a days, a spare tire is an option. Standard equipment is a can of Fix-A-Flat and a little air compresser My neighbor was shocked when he showed me his new Mustang and I told him he probably didn't have a spare tire, and he didn't. Leroy

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[BIRD 42]

Re: Replacing spare tire

Guess that is cheaper than a tire and less weight - what are they going to eliminate next?

[5bird7]

Re: Replacing spare tire

Can not see where a fix-a-flat would have helped me when I had the flat on the 05. Tire was gashed by a bungie cord as I recall. nor would it have helped me when the wheel on the 02 was damaged by a pot hole. at least I was lucky with that last one for just a slow leak to develop, long enough to get me home but the damage could have been more severe. It looks like the cost cutting measure will be expensive for the owner in the long run by having to call in the services of a flat bed truck.

Now, back to the question of finding a spare tire that fits.

Thought occurred to me that maybe we've been looking in the wrong place for the tire. Maybe we should be going to the Ford/Lincoln dealers for a replacement spare tire?
Has anyone tried that source?

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Replacing spare tire

Gene, if one goes to a run flat tire, how do you know when that tire has gone flat and needs to be replaced?

Self-supporting tires feature a stiffer internal construction, which is capable of temporarily carrying the weight of the vehicle, even after the tire has lost all air pressure. To provide "self-supporting" capability, these tires typically attach rubber inserts next to or between layers of heat-resistant cord in their sidewalls to help prevent breaking the reinforcing cords in the event of loss of air pressure. They also feature specialized beads that allow the tire to firmly grip current Original Equipment and aftermarket wheels even in the event of air loss. Because self-supporting tires are so good at masking the traditional loss-of-air symptoms that accompany a flat tire, they require a tire pressure monitoring system to alert the driver that they have lost air pressure. Without such a system, the driver may not notice underinflation and may inadvertently cause additional tire damage by failing to inflate or repair the tire at the first opportunity. Typically, self-supporting tires maintain vehicle mobility for 50 miles at speeds up to 55 mph.

[Chuck]

Re: Replacing spare tire

Dot, can you get one from Ford? Probably not cheap. Oh and the run flats, I thought they were like 2 tires in 1 a solid tire inside the pneumatic tire

[THX1138]

Re: Replacing spare tire

I don't know if it is still true, but the limited slip rear end can be damaged by running two differend sized tires on the rear axel. It can burn up the clutches. Ford recommended that if you have a rear flat, take the flat off, replace it with one of the front tires, and put the little donut on the front. My State Farm agent gave me the card of a good flat bed company, and if I have a flat, I'm calling them.

[worldclasswheels]

Re: Replacing spare tire

Hi Dot, The Tbird and The Shelby Mustang take the the exact same size Tire for there Mini Spare as you said 185x60x17 they came in Firestone for the early runs and then switched to Maxxis Tires I have some in stock, [ Tires only ] if any member has run there spare down or is in need of one. I think the Ford Dealer wants over $100.00 for these. The Wheel for the Tire is 251.00 at the Ford Dealer. Thanks again, Rick

[doubutsu]

Re: Replacing spare tire

I replaced my spare with full sized tire, I would sell the spare.

[5bird7]

Re: Replacing spare tire

Hi Dot, The Tbird and The Shelby Mustang take the the exact same size Tire for there Mini Spare as you said 185x60x17 they came in Firestone for the early runs and then switched to Maxxis Tires I have some in stock, [ Tires only ] if any member has run there spare down or is in need of one. I think the Ford Dealer wants over $100.00 for these. The Wheel for the Tire is 251.00 at the Ford Dealer. Thanks again, Rick

Good to know, Rick. Thanks for responding. I did some searches on the net and found the LS, Mustang and tbird share the same spare wheel.

I replaced my spare with full sized tire, I would sell the spare.

Not much of an option if one travels and needs that extra 2" of height in the trunk that is lost if one uses a full size tire.

[Leroy]

Re: Replacing spare tire

This is were ones Trunk Rack would really come in handy. Leroy

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[worldclasswheels]

Re: Replacing spare tire

Hi Dot, The LS is Correct but Not Mustang, The Mustang is 5 on 4 1/2 Bolt circle The Tbird is 5 on 4 1/4 Bolt Circle, The Mustang Mini tire is a T155x70x17 with a 17x4 Rim instead of a 17x5 Rim like our Mini Rim. Thanks, Rick