Best way to remove spare tire guide tabs?

I think you are all making it too difficult. I banged on them with a mini sledge but I don't think they moved. I have a 295/70r18 ST Maxx in there, snug but fits.

 

They are nominally 34.8 so 34.7 would be on the small side.

 

Do five tire rotations... keeps the spare in good shape for when you need it. also reduces overall wear for all the tires 20%.

 

That's one way to do it. I bought a cheap used tire that is practically new to use as a spare. They don't need to match as I don't use the spare much, if ever. I'll plug a flat before I pull the spare out. I swap front tires to back once in their life, when they're about half gone.

 

I rotate every 5k miles and oil change as well. better safe than sorry in my book...to each their own way to do things. ^5

 

I just paid a local mechanic $40 to air hammer them out. They did a really good job, and I just put some black spray paint on the small area of bare metal to prevent rust.They used a reciprocating saw on the back of the rivets then air hammered the brackets out.

I'm still hesitant on buying a 285/75/18 tire to fit under there. Coachbuilder shackle to shackle is only 32 inches, and 32 inches from DirtyDeeds resonator to rear bumper. I don't feel like taking a tire off just to find out it doesn't fit as the Wildpeaks on my truck are 34 inches in diameter.

 

Don't you know it won't fit then? How much clearance do you have with the stock spare? Also if your tires are 34" (exact size?) why are you looking at 34.7" tires?

 

My 315/70/17 fit under there without doing anything. That’s what 34.5 or something?

 

I used a 6” grinder and a dead blow. It sucks grinding upside down but the sparks are more manageable than the hot drill chips when hitting your skin.

 

I have DD exhaust and CB shackles also no problem w/295/70r18. a bit of sliding it a bit then all good

 

Once I got the tire guides removed I re-measured and got 33 inches from resonator to bumper and 32 inches from bolt head to bolt head on the shackles.

The current factory spare measures 32 inches, but I still have room left and right as the spare is forward more so the center of the spare is aligned more with the leaf springs.

I have 285/75/18s on the truck, so I'm trying to get the same size to fit under the truck. I may just take it to a tire shop and have them test it for me.

 

Thanks for the feedback!

 

Just an update. I found a used 285/70/18 tire on Facebook for $40, got it mounted and balanced for $42 at Discount Tire. Went to raise it into place under the truck and it fits between the coachbuilder shackles, but it is hitting the rear bumper and resonator from DirtyDeeds.

I'm supposed to drive 350 miles this weekend. Is it okay for the spare to rub against the resonator? Any thoughts on a quick solution to get through this trip? Should I buy heat wrap at AdvanceAuto and wrap the resonator? Try to adjust it?

Thank you for everyone's advice and help so far on my spare tire questions!

 

Thank you for everyone's feedback. I unbolted the DD resonator and shifted it a little forward and up to make space for the tire. Plenty of clearance now.

285/70/18 used Toyo Open Country spare on stock rim
+2 Coachbuilders shackles
DD resonator
Removed the tire guides so I guided the tire in place manually as a friend cranked it up.

Passenger side- There is less than 1" of clearance from shackle to tire



Driver's side shackle


Resonator


Rear bumper

 

Good info in this thread. I'm running 17" wheels with 35" Falken WildPeak ATs which measure at 34.8" I have the TRD Dual Exhaust and CB 3" shackles.

I need to look under the truck, but anyone successful with running a 35" in the stock spare location after removing the guides?

Thank you!

 

I just cut the tabs from the bottom flush with the mounts. Took me 10 seconds on each side. Now I have a 35x12.50 up there.

 

Seriously?! I was just down there for about 5 minutes banging on it with an 8 lb sledge hammer.
…

… then I tried the jack and they never budged! Crazy. I was lifting the trucks by these guide brackets. I gave up out of fear of warping the bed.

I tried cutting with an angle grinder but decided I need a full face shield. Just eye protection wasn’t cutting it.

I’m surprised y’all are drilling these out. Looks like it would take 15-20 minutes of drilling per rivet.

I saw some of these posts talk about a reciprocating saw and assumed you could get between the rivet head and the beam it’s mounted to. Are those who cut it off just cutting through the entire rivet head?

 

your very last photo, the top side rivet heads. get a reciprocating saw, put it flat against the frame and saw it off flush as possible. then hammer away at the brackets. pops off very quickly. i think i got all tabs off in 30 mins or less. i think this is hands down the easiest method and its clean. obviously dont saw your line in the way.