i am ready to buy 18" rims and 285/60/18 tires to replace the wimpy stock 16" rim and 235/70/16's. but what about the spare? should i just try to find a tire that is the same height that will fit on the 16" stock rim? and what size would match the height of the new tire? or is there even such a tire size?

what are you all with aftermarket rims doing for your spare tires?

 

I would caution buying a bigger tire on the 16" because it may not fit up into the spare tire holder.

The 06 models with factory 20" come with an 18" spare. That would seem to indicate that Ford wants you just to be able to make it to safety & then repair/replace.

 

I would just try to find a tire the same height as you new ones. Also, several members at FTW have fit 35 inch tires in the OEM spare location.

 

I'd go with a 16" tire with the same overall diameter of the 18" tires on the truck. A 265/75/16 is the same size as the 285/60/18 you're going with.