Long time lurker and finally registered.

I tried the search but didn't have much luck, always worked good in the past when I had problems or issues but not this time.

My 2WD - 97 3.0V6 with 4:10 gears 2" lift is currently running 30" tires and I will soon be putting 235/75/15's on it, maybe 245/70/15's if I can find them.
Anyway I'm using Explorers alloy wheels, 15", and haven't been holding/carrying a spare tire only a patch kit.

Recently I found a Explorer alloy rim like I have on all four corners with an almost new 235/75/15 tire on it, got it cheap so I thought I'd use it as my new spare.

So being a 97-2WD it came with 14" wheels and a dinky tire, my tire carrier under the bed won't hold this new spare I got, looks like it needs to moved towards the front of the truck about 2".

I wonder if the 98 Ranger carried a full size spare? If so I might can find a carrier from a 98 and replace the one I have.

If anyone can confirm my question I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

All I can say that may help is my 2002 Ranger had a full size 15 inch spare tire.

I do not know of any Ranger that carried a mini spare.

This being said all you can do is go to a salvage yard and see what they have for you.

I am not sure what work would be involved in changing the carrier or moving yours forward.

Either way it does not sound like fun and may require removal of the bed.

Just the thought of it would make me carry a mini compressor, and a plug kit and buy a AAA membership just in case.

 

Thanks,
My carrier is not hard to remove but if a different carrier mounts differently then holes may need to be drilled, if they're in the frame that wouldn't be much fun.

In a related post one was for sale and it's completely different, it may be a better option.
Off to Pull-a-Part to see what I can find.

 

The helpful related links provided below my thread had what I need.
This is a different setup than what I have, looks like a cable that ratchets the spare down. The whole assy mounts to bottom of bed and I think I have the bracket it mounts to on the bed.
What I have now is metal tube frame that the wheel sits in and swings down.

 

I just bought a 2002 Ranger Edge..It came with....I guess...with 16" tires.. It has brand new tires on it.. I looked underneath yesterday and Id guess the original spare is under it.. its a 15" tire tho..being original scares me.. It is a Good Year... If original, that makes it 15 years old...The wheel isnt the same size nor style thats on the truck...and comments/ Guess i need a new spare huh?