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[texster68]

I've now got a full size spare mounted under the bed of the SSR. It was definately more trouble than it was worth, but I'll list what I did in case anyone is as crazy as me.

Started out with a 02 Trailblazer Spare 16" Wheel w/ 245/70/16 Tire OE, six lug that matches the SSR Pattern. Discovered that the 16" wheel won't fit the front because of oversized disc calipers. Fixed that by purchasing a spacer to extend the wheel out from the axle. This almost works, but some minor grinding on the cooling fins on the brakes is required. Was now able to mount the tire on either front or rear and drove it both ways, no problems.

Next I re-mounted the battery box 90 degrees turned such that the battery is removed toward the center of the car instead of rear access. The ground cables won't reach, but they are just connected to the frame and body and it's simple to make an alternative connection point. This frees up some room under the bed. However, with the spare tire next to the battery, the spare has to be removed before you can access the battery.

With the battery turned, it is close, but the spare still doesn't fit. So I took the Homer Simpson approach. If the round peg won't fit in a square hole, use a bigger hammer. Since the SSR has a small air pump, I figured I could just flatten the tire, hold it flat with straps, and make it fit. So I mounted the tire, removed the valve stem and let it all the way down, strapped it flat, rotated it and did that again. Giant pain the the rear and I still couldn't get the tire the right shape. Was about to give up and thought I'd try my $10 air powered vacuum attachment from Harbor Freight. After destroying the boy's bicycle pump and a little duct tape, I got it connected to the tire and it does a great job. Shrinks the tire up like George going swimming. Connected it to the vacuum pump and scientifically kicked it in the right spots to force it to collapse to the pattern I wanted. Quickly put on the rubber cap, strapped it to shape(in case it reverse leaked), and believe it or not, it fits without hitting the exhaust pipes.

Now to actually mount it. Figured out pretty quickly that it was virtually impossible to lift the tire into place and equally impossible to dismount it. So I bought a cable spare tire winch off EBAY. This is the standard Chevy truck spare tire mount with the crank rod connection accessible from the rear under the tail gate. Of course, it doesn't fit the SSR and I wasn't too anxious to drill a hole in the back bumper to access the lift. Managed to fit it at an angle with acess just behind the Right backup light. You have to remove the entire license plate assembly to get to it, but no new holes in the SSR.

Still concerned with the spare tire getting too hot, so back to EBAY and purchased asbestos wrap used to insulate headers under the hood. Wrapped the rear tail pipes and it does a good job of insulating the pipes. The spare tire doesn't touch the pipes, so I don't think there will be any problems.

Followed the earlier advice on this forum and got the battery powered scissor jack from Walmart. This is mounted inside the wheel before it is hoisted into position. Used half a roll of saran wrap to try and keep it dry...hope it works. Still need tools to change the tire, screw driver to remove license plate and 3/4 socket wrench with long handle to remove and tighten lug nuts. This was the only thing that went well....the tools fit nicely into the little compartment under the tonneau cover. This must be what Chevrolet had in mind when they put it there.

So, here's what happens if I have a flat. My guess is that I will be in a suit and tie and be late.

- Open rear cover, take out screw driver and lug wrench.
- Remove rear license plate and plastic frame, pull out the light bulbs to avoid breaking them.
- Use lug wrench to unwind the winch until spare tire lowers enough to remove cable connection.
- Remove velcro straps used to hold the tire in odd shape.
- Remove valve cap and let tire start to return to a round shape.
- Replace valve stem and connect the tire to the SSR air pump and let it start inflating. It takes a while.
- Unwrap electric jack and begin lifting the flat tire.
- Remove lug nuts and flat tire.
- Unbolt wheel spacer from spare tire and install it onto the wheel hub.
- Install the inflated spare tire onto the spacer.
- Throw the flat tire into the bed along with all the assorted tools and straps.
- Wind winch back up and replace the rear license frame and plate.
- Put up with the Wump Wump Wump until the spare warms up and comes back into round.


There it is. Not fast, not easy, not elegant, but in an extreme emergency, it will work. I'll probably buy new tires next week just to minimize the chance of having a flat. Who knows, maybe the super duper Chevy flat tire sealer will work and I won't have to bring out the spare.

Texster68