What size rim to get - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

*eXplorerchic* · 03-12-2003, 09:50 PM

Well I've been looking for the right tire and wheel combo, for my X. Was going to get some 31x11.5 Kumho MT's and mount them on some rockcrawlers, but kumho doesnt make that size anymore

So on to plan B
I'm wanting to stick with the 31" size (what I have now) but go wider, I want them suckers to stick out.

Well ProComp have these....X-Terrain's

in 31x12.5 on 15X10 rockcrawlers. I plan on doing a 2" TT/Shackel mod. My question is are this going to fit on my truck, I would hate to shell out this $$$ and them not fit

Let me know what you guys think.

(P.S. I also like the ProComp MT's but the 31" only comes in 31x10.5 on a 15x8 rim, could I get spacers and get this same look(wide) with these?)

all these decisions

Here's my X as it sits now....minus the nerfbars

*Digger196* · 03-12-2003, 09:56 PM

i have 32X11.5 on 15x8 rock crawlers with 4" of back space i beleave and they stick out an inch. the more they stick out the more you wil have to trim for turning. i discovered tonight that i need to cut more off so i'll be doing that tomorrow!

*Msupertek* · 03-12-2003, 10:03 PM

Hey mine stick out a lot I have 35x12.50 mud terrains look at my pics I have practically the same rims that you have shown but they are 15x10. I will be selling them within about 2 weeks if you are interested. I am converted to a solid axle in the front and a truck 8.8 in the rear to gain about 4 inches on each side for a more stable truck and more lift. That means I will have to purchase a new set of rims 5.5 pattern instead of the explorer 5x4.5 pattern. I have only had the rims for 3 months and they look brand new. If you are interested in em let me know, I'll let em go for $160 the whole set.

*eXplorerchic* · 03-12-2003, 10:33 PM

nice X!
yeah thats a good deal on those rims. I am interested in them, but I want to make sure something like an 31x12.5 or 31x11.5 tire on those will fit on my X. Some have been telling me the 15X10rims will be too big????

Like I said.... above I really want the ProComp MT's there my first choice. Those are only 31x10.5, would only need a 15X8 rim.
Or what about 31x12.5 on a 15x8 rim? Remember al I will have done is TT and Shackels.

**Alec** · 03-13-2003, 12:06 AM

For 31x10.50, get a 15x8 rim. For 31x12.50, get a 15.10 rim. For either get 3.75 or 4" backspacing. The 12.50s will stick out a lot more, but it's better to stick out and rub on fender than to be too far in and rub suspension.

*eXplorerchic* · 03-13-2003, 12:51 AM

Sweet, ok so I would have no problem running those 31x12.5 X-Terrain's on 15x10 rims on my X?(w/TT & shackels)
If those will work .....Msupertek, I will defintaly be wanting those rims!
I just want to make sure.

**Alec** · 03-13-2003, 12:52 AM

I didn't say that

You'll want a 2" BL in addition to the suspension lift to fit the 31x12.50s.

*eXplorerchic* · 03-13-2003, 12:59 AM

hmm, well I dont care for doing a BL anytime soon, or at all really....so what size do you suggest I use.

**Alec** · 03-13-2003, 08:26 AM

Most of the time people rub due to the width of the tires, not the height. So if you want wide tires for mud and sand but want to keep the truck lower, go for 31x12.50. If you also offroad on rocks and such and also want height, go with a taller, narrower tire. You know, 33x10.50s are as easy to fit usually as 32x11.50

*eXplorerchic* · 03-13-2003, 11:59 AM

yeah i think i've just decided to keep my stock rims and put some 32's on them (265/75/R16 was the numbers on the tire) Think i'll be good wit these....i noticed several have done the 32's on stock rims with just the TT and shackels.

Rydin Dirtay · 03-13-2003, 01:14 PM

31x10.5 is what i got.. and 15x8 rims

*eXplorerchic* · 03-15-2003, 02:46 AM

hmmm after looking at the deal they've got on the ProComp tires right now, I think i'm going to get those 31X12.5 X-Terrain's.....and put them on some 15X8 rockcrawlers. My friend told me the 15x8 rim would help me fit the tires better.
Going to be doing(hopefully) my 2" TT and shackels this coming week!

**Alec** · 03-15-2003, 10:35 AM

I think 15x8 will be too narrow for 31x12.50 tires. I think you need 15x10.

Most of the time a narrower rim will help you fit tires easier. However, the rim has to be wide enough for the specific tire. Asking a 31x12.50 tire to conform to a 15x8 rim is asking too much of the tire.

*eXplorerchic* · 03-16-2003, 01:27 AM

hmm, well I just now several people that used that size rim for....33'sx12.5, 35'x12.5 and so on...

**Alec** · 03-16-2003, 10:52 AM

Yes, 15x8s will work for 33x12.50 or 35x12.50, but not 31x12.50.

Think about it, to conform to a narrow rim, the tire's sidewall has to be able to flex inward. A 33 has 9" of sidewall to flex inward, a 35 10". A 31 only has 8" and you may be pushing the tire's ability to hold the rim. The tire manufacturer probably doesn't recommend anything under 15x9 for that tire.

*eXplorerchic* · 03-16-2003, 10:26 PM

so there's no hope of these tires on my X?

I REALLY dont want to do more than 2" TT and shackels. Just not ready to jack up my daily driver

**Alec** · 03-16-2003, 10:49 PM

Only way to see really is to try. But I do know that a few other members have needed 4" of lift to clear 31x12.50s.

*eXplorerchic* · 03-16-2003, 11:45 PM

looks like i might just go to the local tire palce and see if they will test fit some sizes....hmmm whatcha think about an 31X11.5 on a 15X8 rim? That would still look "meaty" wouldnt it?

**Alec** · 03-17-2003, 12:09 AM

What brand 31x11.50 are you looking at? That is not a common size.

*eXplorerchic* · 03-17-2003, 12:18 AM

These Mickey Thompson Baja Claw...

03-12-2003, 09:50 PM	#1
eXplorerchic Elite Explorer Babe sXc Member Decatur, AL 2000 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,076 Vehicle Specs	What size rim to get Well I've been looking for the right tire and wheel combo, for my X. Was going to get some 31x11.5 Kumho MT's and mount them on some rockcrawlers, but kumho doesnt make that size anymore So on to plan B I'm wanting to stick with the 31" size (what I have now) but go wider, I want them suckers to stick out. Well ProComp have these....X-Terrain's in 31x12.5 on 15X10 rockcrawlers. I plan on doing a 2" TT/Shackel mod. My question is are this going to fit on my truck, I would hate to shell out this $$$ and them not fit Let me know what you guys think. (P.S. I also like the ProComp MT's but the 31" only comes in 31x10.5 on a 15x8 rim, could I get spacers and get this same look(wide) with these?) all these decisions Here's my X as it sits now....minus the nerfbars __________________ -2000 Xplorer Sport a.k.a 'Xploda'- sXc President @ southernXplorer Club My Xploda Pic's My Mug Shot *'Bad Girls, need Bad Toys!'* Last edited by eXplorerchic; 03-12-2003 at 09:57 PM.

03-12-2003, 09:56 PM	#2
Digger196 Elite Explorer ECX Member Winston-Salem, NC 98 Cherokee Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 2,550 Vehicle Specs	i have 32X11.5 on 15x8 rock crawlers with 4" of back space i beleave and they stick out an inch. the more they stick out the more you wil have to trim for turning. i discovered tonight that i need to cut more off so i'll be doing that tomorrow! __________________ 2006 F-250 CC

03-12-2003, 10:33 PM	#4
eXplorerchic Elite Explorer Babe sXc Member Decatur, AL 2000 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,076 Vehicle Specs	nice X! yeah thats a good deal on those rims. I am interested in them, but I want to make sure something like an 31x12.5 or 31x11.5 tire on those will fit on my X. Some have been telling me the 15X10rims will be too big???? Like I said.... above I really want the ProComp MT's there my first choice. Those are only 31x10.5, would only need a 15X8 rim. Or what about 31x12.5 on a 15x8 rim? Remember al I will have done is TT and Shackels. __________________ -2000 Xplorer Sport a.k.a 'Xploda'- sXc President @ southernXplorer Club My Xploda Pic's My Mug Shot *'Bad Girls, need Bad Toys!'* Last edited by eXplorerchic; 03-12-2003 at 11:53 PM.

03-13-2003, 12:06 AM	#5
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,056 Vehicle Specs	For 31x10.50, get a 15x8 rim. For 31x12.50, get a 15.10 rim. For either get 3.75 or 4" backspacing. The 12.50s will stick out a lot more, but it's better to stick out and rub on fender than to be too far in and rub suspension. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

03-13-2003, 12:51 AM	#6
eXplorerchic Elite Explorer Babe sXc Member Decatur, AL 2000 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,076 Vehicle Specs	Sweet, ok so I would have no problem running those 31x12.5 X-Terrain's on 15x10 rims on my X?(w/TT & shackels) If those will work .....Msupertek, I will defintaly be wanting those rims! I just want to make sure. __________________ -2000 Xplorer Sport a.k.a 'Xploda'- sXc President @ southernXplorer Club My Xploda Pic's My Mug Shot *'Bad Girls, need Bad Toys!'*

03-12-2003, 10:03 PM	#3
Msupertek Axle Annihilator! Arlington, Texas 1992 4x4 Explorer Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,284 Vehicle Specs	Hey mine stick out a lot I have 35x12.50 mud terrains look at my pics I have practically the same rims that you have shown but they are 15x10. I will be selling them within about 2 weeks if you are interested. I am converted to a solid axle in the front and a truck 8.8 in the rear to gain about 4 inches on each side for a more stable truck and more lift. That means I will have to purchase a new set of rims 5.5 pattern instead of the explorer 5x4.5 pattern. I have only had the rims for 3 months and they look brand new. If you are interested in em let me know, I'll let em go for $160 the whole set.

03-13-2003, 12:52 AM	#7
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,056 Vehicle Specs	I didn't say that You'll want a 2" BL in addition to the suspension lift to fit the 31x12.50s. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

03-13-2003, 12:59 AM	#8
eXplorerchic Elite Explorer Babe sXc Member Decatur, AL 2000 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,076 Vehicle Specs	hmm, well I dont care for doing a BL anytime soon, or at all really....so what size do you suggest I use. __________________ -2000 Xplorer Sport a.k.a 'Xploda'- sXc President @ southernXplorer Club My Xploda Pic's My Mug Shot *'Bad Girls, need Bad Toys!'*

03-13-2003, 08:26 AM	#9
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,056 Vehicle Specs	Most of the time people rub due to the width of the tires, not the height. So if you want wide tires for mud and sand but want to keep the truck lower, go for 31x12.50. If you also offroad on rocks and such and also want height, go with a taller, narrower tire. You know, 33x10.50s are as easy to fit usually as 32x11.50 __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

03-13-2003, 11:59 AM	#10
eXplorerchic Elite Explorer Babe sXc Member Decatur, AL 2000 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,076 Vehicle Specs	yeah i think i've just decided to keep my stock rims and put some 32's on them (265/75/R16 was the numbers on the tire) Think i'll be good wit these....i noticed several have done the 32's on stock rims with just the TT and shackels. __________________ -2000 Xplorer Sport a.k.a 'Xploda'- sXc President @ southernXplorer Club My Xploda Pic's My Mug Shot *'Bad Girls, need Bad Toys!'*

03-13-2003, 01:14 PM	#11
Rydin Dirtay Wannabe Elite Explorer phoenix 94 xlt 4x4, and 94 xlt 2x Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 361 Vehicle Specs	31x10.5 is what i got.. and 15x8 rims __________________ sold explorer

03-15-2003, 02:46 AM	#12
eXplorerchic Elite Explorer Babe sXc Member Decatur, AL 2000 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,076 Vehicle Specs	hmmm after looking at the deal they've got on the ProComp tires right now, I think i'm going to get those 31X12.5 X-Terrain's.....and put them on some 15X8 rockcrawlers. My friend told me the 15x8 rim would help me fit the tires better. Going to be doing(hopefully) my 2" TT and shackels this coming week! __________________ -2000 Xplorer Sport a.k.a 'Xploda'- sXc President @ southernXplorer Club My Xploda Pic's My Mug Shot *'Bad Girls, need Bad Toys!'*

03-15-2003, 10:35 AM	#13
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,056 Vehicle Specs	I think 15x8 will be too narrow for 31x12.50 tires. I think you need 15x10. Most of the time a narrower rim will help you fit tires easier. However, the rim has to be wide enough for the specific tire. Asking a 31x12.50 tire to conform to a 15x8 rim is asking too much of the tire. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

03-16-2003, 01:27 AM	#14
eXplorerchic Elite Explorer Babe sXc Member Decatur, AL 2000 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,076 Vehicle Specs	hmm, well I just now several people that used that size rim for....33'sx12.5, 35'x12.5 and so on... __________________ -2000 Xplorer Sport a.k.a 'Xploda'- sXc President @ southernXplorer Club My Xploda Pic's My Mug Shot *'Bad Girls, need Bad Toys!'*

03-16-2003, 10:52 AM	#15
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,056 Vehicle Specs	Yes, 15x8s will work for 33x12.50 or 35x12.50, but not 31x12.50. Think about it, to conform to a narrow rim, the tire's sidewall has to be able to flex inward. A 33 has 9" of sidewall to flex inward, a 35 10". A 31 only has 8" and you may be pushing the tire's ability to hold the rim. The tire manufacturer probably doesn't recommend anything under 15x9 for that tire. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

03-16-2003, 10:26 PM	#16
eXplorerchic Elite Explorer Babe sXc Member Decatur, AL 2000 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,076 Vehicle Specs	so there's no hope of these tires on my X? I REALLY dont want to do more than 2" TT and shackels. Just not ready to jack up my daily driver __________________ -2000 Xplorer Sport a.k.a 'Xploda'- sXc President @ southernXplorer Club My Xploda Pic's My Mug Shot *'Bad Girls, need Bad Toys!'*

03-16-2003, 10:49 PM	#17
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,056 Vehicle Specs	Only way to see really is to try. But I do know that a few other members have needed 4" of lift to clear 31x12.50s. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

03-16-2003, 11:45 PM	#18
eXplorerchic Elite Explorer Babe sXc Member Decatur, AL 2000 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,076 Vehicle Specs	looks like i might just go to the local tire palce and see if they will test fit some sizes....hmmm whatcha think about an 31X11.5 on a 15X8 rim? That would still look "meaty" wouldnt it? __________________ -2000 Xplorer Sport a.k.a 'Xploda'- sXc President @ southernXplorer Club My Xploda Pic's My Mug Shot *'Bad Girls, need Bad Toys!'*

03-17-2003, 12:09 AM	#19
Alec Mod Emeritus Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,056 Vehicle Specs	What brand 31x11.50 are you looking at? That is not a common size. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

03-17-2003, 12:18 AM	#20
eXplorerchic Elite Explorer Babe sXc Member Decatur, AL 2000 Sport Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,076 Vehicle Specs	These Mickey Thompson Baja Claw... __________________ -2000 Xplorer Sport a.k.a 'Xploda'- sXc President @ southernXplorer Club My Xploda Pic's My Mug Shot *'Bad Girls, need Bad Toys!'*