One problem related to spare tire has been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owned a 1998 Ford Explorer Sport. Had firestone wilderness at tires on vehicle. Went for inspection and failed because the tires were recalled. He contacted Ford as well as firestone, and they told him the recall was over and there was nothing they could do. The tire size was p235/70r16. The tires on the vehicle split between the threads, and sidewalls. It was like they were separating on all five of the tires, including the spare tire.