I put 16" wheels with 26.5 inch diameter tires on my 2WD Westy and kept the best 14" stock wheel with 25.5 inch diameter tire as spare. Have not needed that spare on any corner yet but have no fears about using it. 

Stephen

Mobile

> On Jun 10, 2017, at 1:31 PM, Mark Hersh <cmwolfsburg@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> We put 15" wheels on our 86 weekender (2.2L NW Connecting Rod WBX and stock
> auto tranny) almost four years ago but kept the 14" spare. At the time, I
> didn't think too much about the size difference (just made sure I had
> something that held air). OK, so we had a blowout on one of our 205/70 15
> tires (the second set on those rims) and I had to mount the spare (195/75
> 14) and get home 100 miles. Upon closer examination, the spare isn't in
> very good shape although it got us home.
> 
> I asked a regional FB group whether anyone had a decent XL or load range C
> 14" tire I could mount as a spare.
> 
> Someone said I risk catastrophic transmission damage running a tire of a
> different height.
> 
> Do folks here hold the same thought?
> 
> Should I just go with a 15" spare and modify my clamshell holder if needed?
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Mark
> 
> --
> 86 Campmobile Six-Seater "Monty"
> 
> Black dogs are euthanized at a greater rate than other-colored dogs,
> regardless of temperament.  Learn about Black Dog Syndrome at
> http://www.blackpearldogs.com/  Learn about black dogs in a Vanagon at
> http://www.pbase.com/mhersh/image/108220533