I have a 3" PA body lift on my 97 expy 4x4. i forgot to notch the back panel for the spare when i installed the kit and now i can't access the hole to release the spare tire. hell, i can't even use the spare now since i'm running 35's. can you just cut the plastic with the bumper still on and gain access to the hole to lower the spare? does anyone keep the spare at all? it seems like dead weight back there now since it's WAY too small to be useful. any thoughts?

 

i asked the same question when i got mine done. the answers were - drill a hole for the tool, or get a flip down plate/carry a screw driver to remove the plate if you ever need to get in there.

you won't be able to fit a larger tire in the hole - but i'd keep the factory spare just in case you need something to limp home on some dark, rainy night.

 

so i need to drill a hole in the plastic trim between the bumper and the body right? and wouldn't running a shorter tire and a taller tire tear up the differential since 1 tire is turning faster than the other?

 

Not if you put the spare on the front.
If that means changing two tires, so be it.

 

even on a 4x4?

 

I'm not a 100% positive on this but if it's on the front and you don't engage the 4x4 it shouldn't cause any damage. But like they said just something to get home or somewhere to fix your flat. If its only at 2 mph, it may still be your only option. I'd keep the spare just in case.