I have an '03 riding on 18's with a 1" drop(so far), can I still use the spare? If not, that's cool. I can take it out. If I can, I may leave it in there, even though I'm fairly certain I can't get the jack under the car now AND my insurance has roadside assistance. I may have used incorrect search terms, but I couldn't find any threads on this...

 

You shouldn't have an issue mounting and riding on the spare (assuming you correctly chose your tire ratios).

You bring up an interesting question though, as I'm not sure if the spare jack can fit under a car lowered 1". Take out the spare jack, measure the clearance between the spare jack height and jack points front and rear(A). Now, measure your sidewall height (B). If your sidewall height is greater than or equal to the clearance between the jack and the jack point, you're gonna have issues getting the jack under the car if you pop a flat.

Obviously, if you cant fit the jack under the car now, you're SOL. In a pinch you might be able to fit the spare jack under the rear tow point, but thats a long shot and only good for the rear wheels obviously.

 

Thank you, sir! I appreciate the help! I kinda figured that the jack was gonna be the real issue. The ratios are still within the 3% rule, so that should be ok. Not trying to tempt fate by tossing the spare, but if I can't use it, why carry it?

 

Just throw a small piece of 2x4 in the trunk , that will help you use your jack. Yes you space will fit unless you install a BBK

 

I think you should definitely carry the spare, unless you want to rely on roadside assistance. Me, I prefer to handle things myself.

Your best option is to find a jack that can fit under your car in the event of a flat.


Good idea. If the tire is flat, I suppose he can drive on it perpendicular to the wheel to get more jack clearance. Only drawback is that might risk more damage to the wheel depending on the nature of the flat.

 

The factory scissor-style jack will fit under a Z lowered 1" no problem. You should never drive on the spare for extended periods of time or at high speeds, but assuming your tire aspect ratios are near stock there is no reason you shouldn't be able to use the spare in case of emergency.

 

As Terrasmak pointed out, carrying a small 2x4 wouldn't hurt either depending on the nature of the flat.

 

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