Spare Tire Life Span

[Jhollowell]

I keep a set of factory lug nuts just in case

 

[Irregular F150]

Oh crp. I didnt even think of that since my came with methods already and a factory spare. Guess i either buy some lugs or another method lol.

Probably lugs since its cheaper LOL.

 

[raptorman]

Interesting timing. I bought my 2012 133,000 miles ago and have never even lowered the spare, let alone used it. Using the valuable members of this Forum, I decided to change my rear diff cover and oil, and upgrade the cover to a Dorman unit ($130). Much easier to replace the cover with the spare out of the way. So down it came yesterday! Valuable learnings: 1.) lowering the spare can be done using the Ford supplied kit hidden under my rear seats. 2.) the access hole and guide are not parallel with the truck; you actually need to push the rod toward the driver's seat to access the spare tire winch (duh!) 3.) spare lowered easily in my driveway, but it reminded me that I'd hate to do this in the snow, at night, etc. 4.) really should have done this much sooner 5.) spare looks brand new, minus the pressure point stains on the sidewall from the bed support rails. Tire cleaned up nicely (still had the factory "no TPMS" sticker on it!). I plan to have my local tire guy take a look at it, but after washing and shining it up it looks pretty good!

I'll keep the spare in the bed until I receive my Ford Performance catback system, as having access to the tailpipes with the spare out is nice. Then reinstall the spare.