2003 Spare Tire Replace w/ Full Size

[Jimmie]

I want to replace the original spare tire with a full size tire - if you have done this please tell me what size tire fits the well and did you mount it on the original rim?
Thanks

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[Mach5]

I want to replace the original spare tire with a full size tire - if you have done this please tell me what size tire fits the well and did you mount it on the original rim?
Thanks

I have a P205/55/17 Falken Sincera mounted on my original spare tire rim. It fits in the well and the trunk floor sits down perfectly.

 

[stevejoliet2003]

I want to replace the original spare tire with a full size tire - if you have done this please tell me what size tire fits the well and did you mount it on the original rim?
Thanks

When I replaced my tires, Discount Tires found my spare deflated & 20 yrs old. They recommended this tire and new wheel that could be used at any speed & distance. Fit in well is good. Sentury 205/50 ZR17. Find a Discount Tire , I'm sure they can duplicate this low cost improvement.

 

[Dmitry]

My OEM spare tire was made in 2002 and is now covered in yellowish powder. I think the rubber is disintegrating from age. Maxxis, the OEM manufacturer doesn't list the size T185/60R17 as available. Tirerack.com expects them to be in stock in late May, priced at $165. Based on stevejoliet2003 recommendation I just bought this Forceum HEXA-R tire on Amazon, size 205/50R17 93WR for $71. In case you're wondering, it's made in Indonesia. Will let you know how it fits on the OEM spare rim and inside the spare well in the trunk.

 

[biddle]

Maxxis, the OEM manufacturer doesn't list the size T185/60R17 as available

If you read the Maxxis thread that is hyperlinked you would see that you can order it from Maxxis Canada and ship to the USA or wait until US is restocked .

Spare Tire replacement for 2002-2005

If Maxxis USA is sold out, order it from Maxxis Canada! Order from Maxxis USA Part Number- TP10355800 Size- T185/60R17 https://shop.maxxis.com/products/compact-spare-tire?variant=39627630084231 Order from Maxxis Canada Part Number- TP1035580A Size- T185/60R17...

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

 

[Liquidlounge]

This may not be a popular take, but I have thought about removing the the spare altogether. I don't think I've had a flat on a vehicle in 40 years and I rarely ever see a car along the road fixing a flat and when you do, it usually looks like a vehicle where upkeep was not a priority (or maybe someone barely getting by). I have had numerous flats on trailers especially when there was no US made ones available. The advantage here is a little more room in the already tiny trunk and a bit of a weight savings. This idea got legs when I removed the hard top and could tell a seat of the pants difference in acceleration. Maybe a can of fix-a-flat and a AAA membership is adequate here.

 

[biddle]

This may not be a popular take, but I have thought about removing the the spare altogether. This idea got legs when I removed the hard top and could tell a seat of the pants difference in acceleration.

The compact spare tire is a negligible difference. You could have a 1/4 of a tank of gas instead of full and make the same claim. I think you are experiencing a placebo effect. That would be like thinking I can feel a difference in my Mustang off the line when I don't have a passenger, when there is no noticeable difference.

 

[stevejoliet2003]

I love a spare, after having a flat in Memphis Missouri. My new Mercedes manual claimed that the tire to be a no flat (50 miles limit). We were stuck 4 days in a Motel, waiting for a $600 replacement.

 

[Jferris149]

I purchased a new rim and put a full sized spare in. I had to trim the stand offs on the bottom of the spare tire cover to get the tire to fit

 

[68stangcjfb]

I have a P205/55/17 Falken Sincera mounted on my original spare tire rim. It fits in the well and the trunk floor sits down perfectly.

I used the same size. Works perfectly.

 

[Silver Bird]

If you read the Maxxis thread that is hyperlinked you would see that you can order it from Maxxis Canada and ship to the USA or wait until US is restocked .

Spare Tire replacement for 2002-2005

If Maxxis USA is sold out, order it from Maxxis Canada! Order from Maxxis USA Part Number- TP10355800 Size- T185/60R17 https://shop.maxxis.com/products/compact-spare-tire?variant=39627630084231 Order from Maxxis Canada Part Number- TP1035580A Size- T185/60R17...

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

If you read the Maxxis thread that is hyperlinked you would see that you can order it from Maxxis Canada and ship to the USA or wait until US is restocked .

Spare Tire replacement for 2002-2005

If Maxxis USA is sold out, order it from Maxxis Canada! Order from Maxxis USA Part Number- TP10355800 Size- T185/60R17 https://shop.maxxis.com/products/compact-spare-tire?variant=39627630084231 Order from Maxxis Canada Part Number- TP1035580A Size- T185/60R17...

forums.fordthunderbirdforum.com

Ordered from Maxxis 29Apr'24; received Tyler, TX 01May24 $200 ex tax. 'Having dismount/remount done tomorrow. Repl due to age (20 yrs. and reports by owners of explosions in trunk).

Hope this helps,

Silver Bird

 

[jgoedd99]

Ordered from Maxxis 29Apr'24; received Tyler, TX 01May24 $200 ex tax. 'Having dismount/remount done tomorrow. Repl due to age (20 yrs. and reports by owners of explosions in trunk).

Hope this helps,

Silver Bird

Yep. back in stock $198.57 free shipping, no tax to NY. Ordered mine today.

 

[TNtbird]

I still have the original Firestone spare. Can't imagine trying to use it. I just had my local shop order a 205/50/17, installed for $90. I'll guess I'll find out if this size works real quick.

 

[Hiatt Riot]

The best size is 205/55-17 for the original 5.5 inch spare rim, not a 50 series. It is almost the same diameter as both the 235 primary tires and the garbage Maxxis spare Ford used that never was a good choice.

 

[TNtbird]

The best size is 205/55-17 for the original 5.5 inch spare rim, not a 50 series. It is almost the same diameter as both the 235 primary tires and the garbage Maxxis spare Ford used that never was a good

Thank you for the call out on sizing. I double checked using a tire calculator and you are correct. The 55 series is closer to oem tire height, so I just called the shop to have them swap the 50 for a 55 series.

 

[TNtbird]

I picked up the 205/55/17 tire today. The shop mounted on the original spare rim. It fits perfectly in the trunk and the spare cover fits flush without modification. Paid $110 out the door. Happy to have a new spare.

 

[Silver Bird]

Clearly a "better idea"!!