backspacing with 10.5" wide tire - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

*Limited Ex* · 03-03-2003, 06:14 PM

I am getting ready to get some new tires with a 10.5" width, and also going to be lifting my Ex 2 more inches. Right now I have a 4" suspension and a 3" body with 33x12.5 tires. Going in is a 6" suspension and probably 34x10.5 tires. My question is do you guys think that 3.75" backspacing would be sufficient with a skinnier tire and taller ride height?

**Alec** · 03-03-2003, 07:05 PM

3.75" will be fine. Stupid question: why go so skinny? The X will feel much tippier and will handle worse. You also have a greater rollover risk. The only reason I see for skinnier tires is if you do a lot of mud and want to sink down and ride the bottom of the mud pit.

*Limited Ex* · 03-03-2003, 07:24 PM

The tires in particular are the Swamper LTBS. The first reason they caught my eye is their price. I had posted another thread asking opinions on them and had gotten good feedback on them. The rollover risk was the main reason I was asking about the backspacing, because I knew there would be greater risk going from 12.5 to 10.5, but was curious if going with less backspacing than 3.75 would be worth it, or if 3.75 would be fine. As far as mud, I do not do a whole lot of it if I do not have to. And from what I have heard they do great on the trail.

**Alec** · 03-03-2003, 07:40 PM

I'd get wider tires, but that's just me.

03-03-2003, 06:14 PM	#1
Limited Ex Elite Lurker Greensboro, North Carolina 94 Limited Join Date: Aug 1999 Posts: 2,327 Vehicle Specs	backspacing with 10.5" wide tire I am getting ready to get some new tires with a 10.5" width, and also going to be lifting my Ex 2 more inches. Right now I have a 4" suspension and a 3" body with 33x12.5 tires. Going in is a 6" suspension and probably 34x10.5 tires. My question is do you guys think that 3.75" backspacing would be sufficient with a skinnier tire and taller ride height? __________________ "Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be, and he will become as he can and should be"- Goethe Newest: Superpower Steering, New Eyeballs, Removable rear windows My pictures page, Info on my bumper!! Can I have your Gears of War serial?

03-03-2003, 07:05 PM	#2
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,056 Vehicle Specs	3.75" will be fine. Stupid question: why go so skinny? The X will feel much tippier and will handle worse. You also have a greater rollover risk. The only reason I see for skinnier tires is if you do a lot of mud and want to sink down and ride the bottom of the mud pit. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

03-03-2003, 07:24 PM	#3
Limited Ex Elite Lurker Greensboro, North Carolina 94 Limited Join Date: Aug 1999 Posts: 2,327 Vehicle Specs	The tires in particular are the Swamper LTBS. The first reason they caught my eye is their price. I had posted another thread asking opinions on them and had gotten good feedback on them. The rollover risk was the main reason I was asking about the backspacing, because I knew there would be greater risk going from 12.5 to 10.5, but was curious if going with less backspacing than 3.75 would be worth it, or if 3.75 would be fine. As far as mud, I do not do a whole lot of it if I do not have to. And from what I have heard they do great on the trail. __________________ "Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be, and he will become as he can and should be"- Goethe Newest: Superpower Steering, New Eyeballs, Removable rear windows My pictures page, Info on my bumper!! Can I have your Gears of War serial?

03-03-2003, 07:40 PM	#4
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,056 Vehicle Specs	I'd get wider tires, but that's just me. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project