Where's the clearance problem? - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

06-21-1999, 01:04 AM

I have a 91 sport, and I've read lots of different things on this site about the biggest tires you can fit on that particular truck with no lift or fender trimming. My question is, is the clearance problem with the width of the tire or the heigth? In other words, will I run into trouble with an increased diamter of increased tire width? The reason why I ask if this; I'm going for a wider, more aggressive stance for my Explorer, and I've been salivating over some deep dish rims and 30x15.5(!!!) M/Ts. Please tell me that these will fit, or if the rubbing problem is a result of tire width, how can that be easily overcome? Thanx.

06-25-1999, 09:36 AM

I am not sure if I can help much but let me just tell you what I have and my problem. I have a 91 EB and Ford tucked those two stock tires under there with no room to spare at stock hight. I got a 4-inch supension, and a 3-inch body with 33-12.50s sitting on 15x10s and my front tires rub pretty bad. It rubs at the rear of the wheel well where the well stops and angles out and the rocker panel panel starts. I also get a little on my sway bar up front. It is possible it's the tires that are the problem (Super Swamper Thornbirds) and a fender trim that looks decent is $400 a side. I think its mostly trial and error. Next time I will go with BFG M/Ts because I see them on lots of explorers on this site with no hang-ups. Good luck.

------------------
I buried my 88 Toyota, RIP

[This message has been edited by AARON FINE (edited 06-25-1999).]

06-25-1999, 02:56 PM

Width is usually the killing. I have a stock ht. Exploder with 31x10.5's and no maybe rubbing. Maybe a bit on the sway bar. 11.5's however, I think, would cause a problem. I would recommend against 15.5's!! but if you really want to know get a reputable tire shop to try them out on a front corner to test things.

Good Luck.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Help with computer code 14	d_bigdog	Under the Hood	13	05-15-2003 12:49 PM
TRANSMISSION PROBLEM (again)	Stompah	Under the Hood	6	01-09-2002 10:56 PM
Tire clearance problem	PhxExplorer	Explorer - Ranger Shocks, Suspensions, Lift Kits	2	08-08-2000 04:41 PM

06-21-1999, 01:04 AM	#1
FordManiac Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	I have a 91 sport, and I've read lots of different things on this site about the biggest tires you can fit on that particular truck with no lift or fender trimming. My question is, is the clearance problem with the width of the tire or the heigth? In other words, will I run into trouble with an increased diamter of increased tire width? The reason why I ask if this; I'm going for a wider, more aggressive stance for my Explorer, and I've been salivating over some deep dish rims and 30x15.5(!!!) M/Ts. Please tell me that these will fit, or if the rubbing problem is a result of tire width, how can that be easily overcome? Thanx.

06-25-1999, 09:36 AM	#2
AARON FINE Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	I am not sure if I can help much but let me just tell you what I have and my problem. I have a 91 EB and Ford tucked those two stock tires under there with no room to spare at stock hight. I got a 4-inch supension, and a 3-inch body with 33-12.50s sitting on 15x10s and my front tires rub pretty bad. It rubs at the rear of the wheel well where the well stops and angles out and the rocker panel panel starts. I also get a little on my sway bar up front. It is possible it's the tires that are the problem (Super Swamper Thornbirds) and a fender trim that looks decent is $400 a side. I think its mostly trial and error. Next time I will go with BFG M/Ts because I see them on lots of explorers on this site with no hang-ups. Good luck. ------------------ I buried my 88 Toyota, RIP [This message has been edited by AARON FINE (edited 06-25-1999).]

06-25-1999, 02:56 PM	#3
tiessen Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	Width is usually the killing. I have a stock ht. Exploder with 31x10.5's and no maybe rubbing. Maybe a bit on the sway bar. 11.5's however, I think, would cause a problem. I would recommend against 15.5's!! but if you really want to know get a reputable tire shop to try them out on a front corner to test things. Good Luck.