AWD and Factory Spare Tire Question

[WVKayaker]

I tried a search here but nothing came up.
I'm sure this topic has been covered before, so I apologize if it's worn out.
I know that AWD vehicles must have the same size tires and wheels, and should have the same brand, tread pattern etc., to avoid issues with the AWD system sensing different wheel speeds.
My question...I have 29" AT tires installed. What are the consequences of getting a flat, and using the factory spare tire? Is it like, never ever? Get it off ASAP? Short distance a problem?
I guess I should of thought about this before the tire upgrade....
Thanks guys!

[Someone]

If you ever end up needing it remove the fuce labeled "ATC" in the center of the fuse panel under the hood, that will make it so that your transfer case does not engage and you will essencially be driving in 2WD (this works for '99+ only) I would still not reccomend driving any farther than you need to with one different tire, especially on a drive wheel

[LiftedAWDAstro]

You could (and really should) just get another tire of the same size to use as your spare. Then you don't have to worry about it especially since you like to head off in the back woods.

[dunedog]

Then you don't have to worry about it especially since you like to head off in the back woods.[/quote]

Which is exactly what happened to me! Taking a back road out of Cade's Cove (Great Smokie Nat.Park).
If you don't remove the AWD fuse you CANNOT procede over about 15 mph without a horrendous shudder and shake,(I'm talkin' scaring you type).
Plus if you have a G80 rear (posi) yes I do and have a rear flat (did)can't use it there either.Soooo... I took a front off put it on the rear ,put the donut on the front drove until the front shook (200 yards) stopped unplugged the fuse (thank you ASV) and drove gingerly 35 miles to the nearest tire shop.
I now carry a full size spare that matches whatever I am running at the time. Right now 30x9.5x15

The old addage 'When you change one thing,you change everything!"

[blk lt awd]

i don't have a spare due to my stereo set up......i just carry those fix a flat can's....havn't had to use it yet........the only time i got a flat, bent the rim instead......hahahh....i can laugh about it now...

[potskie]

Currently I carry around 4 full size spares and 1 donut as I still haven't gotten around to installing my winter set... kinda late now I guess and everytime I go to put them back int he garage I end up doing something else.

[phr1$k37]

Get the spare tire ... why take a chance? And as mention above ... you want to be off-road with small incorrect sized/matched spare!?

[WVKayaker]

All righty then! Different points of view on the spare tire. Get the right size spare seems to be the consensus. That's why I asked because I knew I would get great answers and comments. Pulling the AWD fuse and moving the good tire to the rear [in the case of a rear flat tire] and installing the donut on the front wheel is a do-able work around. At least I know I'm not totally screwed if I encounter a flat tire. In my 30 years of hitting the backroads, only once have I had to put the spare tire on. So I know most won't agree, but for now I will cross my fingers and know that at least I have a decent work-around that will get me to a service station for a tire plug or worse a new tire.
I looked up under there and it appears their might be room to mount a full size spare where the donut spare is. Anybody here consider this? Can a 29" donut tire be mounted to the factory spare rim? I really don't want to carry a full size wheel and tire in the van.
Thanks for all the replies. It is always appreciated!

[phr1$k37]

In my 30 years of hitting the backroads, only once have I had to put the spare tire on. So I know most won't agree, but for now I will cross my fingers and know that at least I have a decent work-around that will get me to a service station for a tire plug or worse a new tire.

Now you said it now it will happen, Murphy's Law. Way to go!!!
I guess you could find the right size to fit on that spare tire? I am not sure. I am using a full-size spare and it is on 24/7. But if memory serves me right that spare-tire that comes with the vehicle is skinny.

[astrozam]

it appears their might be room to mount a full size spare where the donut spare is. Anybody here consider this? Can a 29" donut tire be mounted to the factory spare rim? I really don't want to carry a full size wheel and tire in the van.
Thanks for all the replies. It is always appreciated!

You should be able to fit a full size 29" tire under there,my tire is roughly 28" and fits under no probs.

Whats the concern with the full size spare? bottoming out,weight? you know were going to bug you to get the right size tire,LOL.

[dunedog]

Full size fits no problemo! 235's,30's, 31's

[dunedog]

Hell there's enough room up in there to store large smurfs

[91AWDAstro]

Hell there's enough room up in there to store large smurfs

My god man, don't give him any ideas! The last thing any one would want would be to pullover because of bad fuel milage only to find a clan of them living under the rear.

[phr1$k37]

Hell there's enough room up in there to store large smurfs

My god man, don't give him any ideas! The last thing any one would want would be to pullover because of bad fuel milage only to find a clan of them living under the rear.

Uh sorry I read your post wrong, I did not know you meant if the full-size tire fits in the same location under the vehicle, yes it is does ... like I said my LT235/75/15 is under there 24/7. I read your post as to asking if a 29" diameter tire would mount on the original spare-tire wheel that came with the vehicle.

[WVKayaker]

Cool info..that's what I'm looking for!
Now to find a rim and cheap used 29" tire to get me outta of a jam!