On monday I got new tires on my truck, I had them take one of my old tires and mount it on my spare rim so I would have a full size spare. I have seen treads in the past where a 35 will fit in the stock location and it does, but my problem is that the tire is extremely close to both of my exhaust pipes like 1/2" or less. Do you all think it will melt or catch my spare on fire. I went to Napa to get some of the insulation for headers to wrap the pipes in, but they don't stock it, they told me the insulation is worthless and it should be fine without insulation. I was also thinling about getting some of the drop cloth that welders use and wrap the pipes with that. Any advise would be greatful.

 

I don't have a solution other than insulation besides re-routing the pipes, but that's too expensive.
1/2" or less would be too close in my opinion. Even if the tire never caught fire it would soften and/or melt a little, making it dangerous to drive on.
Have you considered a bed-mounted spare tire carrier? Probably not an option if you use your bed, but it's a thought.

 

Yes it will melt or catch on fire. There have been some threads on here where that happened. Get a new exhaust route on your truck.

 

I guess I'll have to leave it in the bed for now until I get a job so I can get the exhaust redone. The good thing is I need new exhaust tips beaces one has a hole rusted into it.