Tires: 1 tire, 2 tires, or 4 tires???, tire mart, slow leak

Question
I have a slow leak in one of my tires of my 4x4 pickup.  A local tire mart said they couldn't patch it because it was too close to the side wall.  So it appears I'm stuck with replacing it.  Can I get away with buying one tire, two tires, or will I need to get 4 tires?
Thanks.

Answer
Mark,

Some 4X4's are particularly sensitive to diameter, so the best thing to do is get 4.

However, if you get the same exact tire, but only a different state of wear, then you can probably get away with purchasing only 1.

If you can't get the same exact tire, then it's OK to get 2 different tires, BUT DON'T EVER ENGAGE THE 4X4.

Hope this helps.