For The 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 Guys
 

Looking for guys that own the 1998 Grand Cherokee 5.9 that still have their factory spare tire cover.
I have one in my XJ that I picked up a long time for $30 shipped. In perfect condition.
I really like it.
I would like to know what the biggest tire that will fit in there is.
I might go to the Icon factory rims that were on higher end XJ's.
They are 16". Now I feel very confident that the 225 70 16 tires that would be on those rims from the factory will fit.
Seeing how I am pretty sure the 5.9's came with came with the same size tire from the factory.
But I might want to go a little bigger.
Maybe a 235 70 16 or a 235 75 16.
Just I don't want to give up the tire cover.
So what are you 5.9 guys running that will still fit in the factory spare tire cover?

Not sure about the 5.9 ZJ, but the cover that came with my 4.0 barely fits the stock size (205, 70 R15) and Im confident that i wouldn't be able to ask it to fit my 235, 75 R15's. personally I just left the spare the factory size, I don't include it in my rotations and its not advised to drive on one tire thats smaller than the rest, but if its only used for emergencies than I see no harm. just make sure that you get a matching tire quickly or you could burn out your difs.

Some guy was selling a 235 70 16 on a Jeep Liberty rim on OfferUp.
Pretty much an unused spare. I contacted him, explained what I was
trying to do, and he told me to come on down. Fully understanding that
I was not buying the tire. Gotta love people sometimes.
So it was a tough fight to get it on but thinking a 235 70 16 is the biggest that
will fit. Also I was able to confirm that the tire will mount in the cargo area.
It is tight up against the back seat. I mean pressing on it pretty good.
Here is a picture of the tire cover in question.
Also I hate space saver spares. So I have to have a full size tire.
My OCD makes it so it has to be a matching tire and rim.
And because it is a matching tire why would I not put that into my yearly tire rotation.
Of course because my Jeep is just a DD and my tires are cheaper so I can afford to.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...cfed7cb9ff.jpg

If it works it works. Don't get me wrong, I hate space savers too. I just have the stock spare that came with my ZJ it's slightly smaller in all aspects but the rim size. speaking of are you running aftermarket wheels, because the stock size that came with the ZJ's is a 15inch rim and not 16

At the moment on the XJ running 15" Eccos. Might go to 16" Icons at some point.
My stash pictured below.
But the 1998 Grand Cherokee with the 5.9 came with 16" rims and that tire cover.
Pretty sure those same rims are also on the 60th Anniversary 2001 XJ.
Both the Icons on the XJ and those rims on the 5.9 came 225 70 16 from the factory.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f58b3eaf4f.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...a89142ebad.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f8f4aef9cc.jpg

Alright, thanks for the insight. I've often thought about getting some stud pattern adapters and putting the wheels off of a base JK sport on instead.