Full Sized Spare Tire [Archive] - MercuryMarauder.net Forums

Merc-O-matic

07-07-2003, 09:15 AM

I'm not sure if this question has been asked before?
I have a 300B Marauder with the Temporary Spare Tire or
"donut", I would like to replace it with a full-sized spare.
What brand and what size tire came standard on the
300A's and can I order the rim from a L-M dealer (cost)?
Thanks.

RF Overlord

07-07-2003, 09:38 AM

The 300A came with a non-polished "front"-sized tire and rim...I don't know what they would charge for the unpolished spare version, but I heard the polished rims were something like $400 each...without the tire...tires are $85 at www.tirerack.com

GodOSpeed

07-07-2003, 09:45 AM

It is the same as the front that is on the car now. Be aware that unless you have arms like Olive Oil you will need the assistance of a Craftsman strap wrench to remove and install this beast from the rear deck.

GodOSpeed

07-07-2003, 09:54 AM

Merc-O-matic

07-07-2003, 02:18 PM

Thanks for the good info......same size tire that is now on the
front and check price for non-finished rim at dealer.
Should put me in the driver's seat! Like you said, I hope I
can reach that far to get the "beast" in without separating
L3-4/L-4-5 and what's left of the spiney tract.

RCSignals

07-07-2003, 11:16 PM

there is also a slightly different hold down you might need. some people say they got it in their jack back with the 300Bs so check that before you order one

FordNut

07-08-2003, 08:15 AM

The spare tire cover is also different.

GodOSpeed

07-08-2003, 09:08 AM

Dear Mr. O-matic:

It isnt so much of a physical issue as it is a clearance problem. I dicovered this as I was trying to do the sub fix (luckily not a tire change!) They leave you with about 2 inches of clearance to get your arm in and turn the hold down. Can you say impossible?!! The more you lean on the tire to give that extra room the tighter that it becomes. So word of advice to everyone who has a full sized spare BUY A STRAP WRENCH AND LEAVE IT IN THE TRUNK!! Those Piloti's do a better job of heel toeing inside of the car than out!!

Merc-O-matic

07-08-2003, 11:53 AM

Appreciate all the pointers.....I forgot about the spare tire
cover...lucklie I have have a full sized spare tire cover in the
Grand Marquis.....it's switch-a-roo time. Maybe if I cut a slit
180' apart I might be able to get a 16" cover over the 18" wheel.
If not the dealer has me by the "short hairs" again.
Thanks.

Macon Marauder

07-08-2003, 12:17 PM

Mine was delivered with a 15" mini spare and full size cover. The dealer ordered the full size spare and I installed it on the shelf upside down using the wing nut from the mini. The full size hold down stays in the jack bag.

It's a breeze to get to now. Still pretty heavy but nothing me or my 13 yr. old son can't handle.
:)

FordNut

07-08-2003, 03:13 PM

To remove the full size spare, reach under the wheel and grasp the tiedown nut/sleeve to turn it. Works much better than trying to squeeze the hands between the top of the wheel and the trunk.

The difference in the spare covers is not so much the diameter as it is the width (at least that's what I observed with mine).

Zack

07-08-2003, 05:23 PM

Good call. It is also described this way on the jacking instructions sheet under the spare tire carpet cover.

Patrick

07-08-2003, 06:13 PM

OK heres a stupid question!!! If the spare is for the front tire I wonder how it would drive with the front tire on the rear??? Just thought I would ask. Be nice fair citizens!!!

MM03MOK

07-08-2003, 06:23 PM

Originally posted by Patrick
OK heres a stupid question!!! If the spare is for the front tire I wonder how it would drive with the front tire on the rear??? Just thought I would ask. Be nice fair citizens!!!

I'll be nice!! No such thing as a stupid question. As you can see, it's been asked before.

Spare Tire (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2052)

Patrick

07-08-2003, 06:41 PM

Thanks MOK! I knew I had to differrent size tires on MM, but you dont of a flat till it happens!!! Gald this thread was started.

Heres a thought. Be nice I have so few!!!! Would 2 tires fit under the back deck lid???? Redo the Amp location and both tires on hand!!!!!!!!

FordNut

07-08-2003, 06:54 PM

No, two won't fit on the shelf anyway. But it should fit in the regular trunk space ok. Maybe, just maybe, you could cut the upper frame off a trunk organizer, place a tire on the bottom of the floor, and cover it with a false floor made from the organizer lid and upper frame? That would give you about an inch or so deeper space than the organizer would allow.

Patrick

07-08-2003, 07:12 PM

Might work! Make a modified trunk oraganizer. Should have enough room to make a few side compartments, well maybe just one on each side?

RCSignals

07-09-2003, 12:37 AM

the diameter of the spare tire cover is the same, only difference is in the depth of the "skirt" that covers over the tread

Rangero

07-09-2003, 06:40 AM

I'm not sure where all you guys drive, but I haven't had enough flat tires in my lifetime to warrant all this trouble. Just make do w/watcha got when the time comes. Spend the money on go-fast goodies!!!!!!!!!!!!

jgc61sr2002

07-09-2003, 06:43 AM

I beleive all MM's with traction control have a mini spare, even the ones delivered in Canada. I think the mini spare has something to do with the traction control. IMHO.

Merc-O-matic

07-09-2003, 08:39 AM

I thought they gave us (300B) a mini-spare just to cut costs
and save money? Didn't know it had anything to do with
Traction-Control? Anybody know for sure?

mungce

07-09-2003, 11:08 AM

You don't want to think of the price of new rims, as I has 3 replaced and the dealer told me that they are the most expensive that Ford has and you don't even get the centers, lugs...nada. The front bumper cover is over $1100 at dealer cost, as my MM needed that as well. Keep that insurance in effect........................

Jim Williams
Ft.Worth, Tx