Currently my Double Cab Syncro has 225R60 16" winter tires on it, this
works out to be about 26.7" in diameter. I want to go up to 215R70 16"
(28.0") or 225R70 16" (28.5") BFG All-Terrains.  The spare tire is the
factory Continental 225R60 16" and the distance between the frame rails
where the spare tire goes is about 27.5" across.  Needless to say it just
fits and the larger ATs that I am deciding to get will not fit without the
help of a grinder. I know that tire size is very important on a Syncro and
that all tires must have the same tred wear and be of the same type.

- Can I keep my Continental spare or do I HAVE to have the same size spare?
- If I did have a flat with the larger tires and I HAD to use the smaller
spare what whould be the best corner to put it on?
- What would be the maximum distance and maximum speed one should do with a
smaller spare on the least affected corner?

It is quite interesting to see that Audi only put a donut spare that is
obviously smaller than the other tires in my 87 5000S Quattro.

What is the largest and widest size tire that can go on a Syncro?  I took
the measuring tape out and the tighest spot is the at the front rear
trailing arm.  Seems like I could go to a 30" diameter tire and just have
enough clearance.  Width looks like about 245mm or 10" wide tire is the
limit.  The front tires seem to have plenty of space.

Thanks in advance!

-- David Marshall, Quesnel BC,  david@volkswagen.org --
-- 78 1.8L VW Rabbit, 80 2.0L VW Caddy, 87 Audi 5KQ  --
-- 85 1.8L VW Cabrio, 88 1.6L VW Syncro Double Cab   --
-- Volkswagen Homepage http://www.volkswagen.org     --
--    USE DAVID@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG WHEN SENDIGN EMAIL    --