Tire Fit with Lift - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

Todd · 07-15-1999, 07:36 PM

Well, my JD lift is arriving early next week and I will be putting it on early next month. I have some worries about what tire size that I should purchase. I currently run 31's with 1 inch of lift and 3.27 gears. After the lift, I am not sure if I should still run the 31's or if it would be OK to run 32's. I know that Trace runs 32's with 3.27 gears on his Explorer and that Paul S. runs 31's on his 2.5" Rancho. I was wondering what you guys and anyone else thought about what tire size that I should go with.
There are several reasons that I am worrying about this tire size. First of all, I am on a fire department in Rolla MO(very rural community) and I am required to use my personal vehicle to respond to calls. I need some speed(not much) but good stability. Also, I do travel on some nasty roads doing this sometimes. Then again, I am worried about the performance of the 32's matched with the 3.27's. The equivalent gear ratio would be somewhere around 2.90. So, what does everyone think that I should do? I am just looking for suggestions, so anything would help. Thanks in advance everyone.

Take care and happy exploring everyone!

------------------
Todd Metzger
'Off-Road and More!'
93 "Ford X 4" XLT

[This message has been edited by Todd (edited 07-15-1999).]

kvo · 07-15-1999, 07:56 PM

I think getting lower gear, at least 4.10 to run with your 31's/32's would be extremely beneficial. Acceleration would be crispier and you can tow/carry more loads. Plus it'd be less strain on your engine and the entire drivetrain system.

I run 31's on my 2.5" Rancho with 4.10 gears and I'll be switching to 32's in a few months. I think I'll have to do a little trimming to clear some additional room for offroading.

[This message has been edited by kvo (edited 07-15-1999).]

tiessen · 07-15-1999, 08:53 PM

I just installed a JD lift in my Exploder. I actually got 3-3.5" of lift out of mine (.5" spacer in front, springs re-arched in rear) and am running 31's. They look good, but I think that 32's would be no problem. Myself, I'm going another 1" of body lift (re: KyleK method....cheap) and am trying BFG's new 33x10.5 AT KO's to see if they fit.

Good Luck

Dale

Michael · 07-19-1999, 05:56 PM

Todd,

I run 32's with my JD lift and stock 3.73 gears. There is a little friendly contact with the plastic inner fender when things get really stretched out but that is it. Performace is still decent around town and on the highway if you're not afraid to put your foot in it.

Michael

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07-15-1999, 07:36 PM	#1
Todd Wannabe Elite Explorer Southwest MO 93 XLT (Sold) Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 96 Vehicle Specs	Well, my JD lift is arriving early next week and I will be putting it on early next month. I have some worries about what tire size that I should purchase. I currently run 31's with 1 inch of lift and 3.27 gears. After the lift, I am not sure if I should still run the 31's or if it would be OK to run 32's. I know that Trace runs 32's with 3.27 gears on his Explorer and that Paul S. runs 31's on his 2.5" Rancho. I was wondering what you guys and anyone else thought about what tire size that I should go with. There are several reasons that I am worrying about this tire size. First of all, I am on a fire department in Rolla MO(very rural community) and I am required to use my personal vehicle to respond to calls. I need some speed(not much) but good stability. Also, I do travel on some nasty roads doing this sometimes. Then again, I am worried about the performance of the 32's matched with the 3.27's. The equivalent gear ratio would be somewhere around 2.90. So, what does everyone think that I should do? I am just looking for suggestions, so anything would help. Thanks in advance everyone. Take care and happy exploring everyone! ------------------ Todd Metzger 'Off-Road and More!' 93 "Ford X 4" XLT [This message has been edited by Todd (edited 07-15-1999).]

07-15-1999, 07:56 PM	#2
kvo Wannabe Elite Explorer San Jose, CA '00 XLT (SOHC) Join Date: Mar 1999 Posts: 588 Vehicle Specs	I think getting lower gear, at least 4.10 to run with your 31's/32's would be extremely beneficial. Acceleration would be crispier and you can tow/carry more loads. Plus it'd be less strain on your engine and the entire drivetrain system. I run 31's on my 2.5" Rancho with 4.10 gears and I'll be switching to 32's in a few months. I think I'll have to do a little trimming to clear some additional room for offroading. [This message has been edited by kvo (edited 07-15-1999).]

07-15-1999, 08:53 PM	#3
tiessen Wannabe Elite Explorer Vancouver, BC '92 XLT Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 411 Vehicle Specs	I just installed a JD lift in my Exploder. I actually got 3-3.5" of lift out of mine (.5" spacer in front, springs re-arched in rear) and am running 31's. They look good, but I think that 32's would be no problem. Myself, I'm going another 1" of body lift (re: KyleK method....cheap) and am trying BFG's new 33x10.5 AT KO's to see if they fit. Good Luck Dale

07-19-1999, 05:56 PM	#4
Michael Moderator Elite Explorer Demon4x4 Member Houston, TX '92 Join Date: Feb 1999 Posts: 502 Vehicle Specs	Todd, I run 32's with my JD lift and stock 3.73 gears. There is a little friendly contact with the plastic inner fender when things get really stretched out but that is it. Performace is still decent around town and on the highway if you're not afraid to put your foot in it. Michael