Tires, tires, tires.... - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

06-25-1999, 03:28 PM

Hey there! I just bought a '97 XLT and I just found this sight. I found lots of great information regarding tires, wheels, shocks etc...but I'm still not sure I can get 31x10.5 on my rig. My eyeball and ruler tell me I can't. My two local 4x4 shops tell me I can't, but you guys say I can.

Also, I have running boards on. Do I have to remove them?

One other thing. Which shops will try to put these tires on? In the past, Wheel Works would not put on oversized tires on another truck...

Any input would be great.

06-25-1999, 04:18 PM

Check out the Hollister Hills Run pictures. Ray Lobato's 97 XLT is shod with 31"x10.5"x15" BFG ATs.

Your call with the running boards, hard to tell from our perspective.

06-25-1999, 05:30 PM

Tyson,

I have a 1998 XLT and purchased Savero Swampers 31x10.5x15's a week ago. They fit just fine as they should on your 1997 XLT. You may have to modify your running board as it runs under the rear of the front wheel wells but you shouldnt experience any rubbing on the frame.

Good Luck

Jordan
98 XLT

06-28-1999, 10:33 PM

Hey Tyson,
I had a 95XLT with running boards and didn't have any problems with 31X10.5 R15's on it.
The guy at Wheel Works on Alum Rock in San Jose said he would put them on my truck. I went to Costco because they were alittle cheaper and balancing was free. The only problem is Costco doesn't carry BFG A/T's anymore.

You should be able to get a dealer to at least try them on the fronts.

------------------
Happy Wheelin'
Ray L.

97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

06-29-1999, 12:14 AM

Thanks Ray. I'll give it a try soon. I'm currently in the process of designing and fabricating rear shackles to give me 1" - 1 1/2" of lift in the rear. Then I'll try to cram on the biggest tires I can find....

*ExplorGM* · 07-04-1999, 01:59 AM

Tyson,
My 95 with just two inches of lift works just fine with 32x11.5/16s. 31s should have plenty of room with 1.5"s of lift. I also have running boards and flares which reduce clearance for taller tires, but allow it to run wider tires. I have some clearance pictures on my web page.(page 4)
Rick

------------------
Rick
95 Explorer Sport Expedition
http://hometown.aol.com/explorgm/Explorer/index.htm

*Cameron* · 07-15-1999, 08:43 AM

I have a '97 Sport and put Goodyear 31X10.5 R15s on it last night. They look great and fit like a glove.

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06-25-1999, 03:28 PM	#1
Tyson Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	Hey there! I just bought a '97 XLT and I just found this sight. I found lots of great information regarding tires, wheels, shocks etc...but I'm still not sure I can get 31x10.5 on my rig. My eyeball and ruler tell me I can't. My two local 4x4 shops tell me I can't, but you guys say I can. Also, I have running boards on. Do I have to remove them? One other thing. Which shops will try to put these tires on? In the past, Wheel Works would not put on oversized tires on another truck... Any input would be great.

06-25-1999, 04:18 PM	#2
kvo Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	Check out the Hollister Hills Run pictures. Ray Lobato's 97 XLT is shod with 31"x10.5"x15" BFG ATs. Your call with the running boards, hard to tell from our perspective.

06-25-1999, 05:30 PM	#3
Jordan714 Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	Tyson, I have a 1998 XLT and purchased Savero Swampers 31x10.5x15's a week ago. They fit just fine as they should on your 1997 XLT. You may have to modify your running board as it runs under the rear of the front wheel wells but you shouldnt experience any rubbing on the frame. Good Luck Jordan 98 XLT

06-28-1999, 10:33 PM	#4
Ray Lobato Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	Hey Tyson, I had a 95XLT with running boards and didn't have any problems with 31X10.5 R15's on it. The guy at Wheel Works on Alum Rock in San Jose said he would put them on my truck. I went to Costco because they were alittle cheaper and balancing was free. The only problem is Costco doesn't carry BFG A/T's anymore. You should be able to get a dealer to at least try them on the fronts. ------------------ Happy Wheelin' Ray L. 97 XLT 4X4 4.0L SOHC

06-29-1999, 12:14 AM	#5
Tyson Unregistered Posts: n/a Vehicle Specs	Thanks Ray. I'll give it a try soon. I'm currently in the process of designing and fabricating rear shackles to give me 1" - 1 1/2" of lift in the rear. Then I'll try to cram on the biggest tires I can find....

07-04-1999, 01:59 AM	#6
ExplorGM Elite Explorer AZ 1995 Explorer Expedition Join Date: Apr 1999 Posts: 624 Vehicle Specs	Tyson, My 95 with just two inches of lift works just fine with 32x11.5/16s. 31s should have plenty of room with 1.5"s of lift. I also have running boards and flares which reduce clearance for taller tires, but allow it to run wider tires. I have some clearance pictures on my web page.(page 4) Rick ------------------ Rick 95 Explorer Sport Expedition http://hometown.aol.com/explorgm/Explorer/index.htm

07-15-1999, 08:43 AM	#7
Cameron Elite Explorer Streamwood, IL 97 Sport Join Date: Apr 1999 Posts: 1,117 Vehicle Specs	I have a '97 Sport and put Goodyear 31X10.5 R15s on it last night. They look great and fit like a glove.