00 Explorer tire rub?

[olebyker]

I have a 2000 2wd XLT 4liter,auto, completely stock, door sticker calls for 255-70R16s, (had 245s) just bought 4 new 255-70s, noticed they were rubbing on upper ball joint. Installed 3mm spacers, but now rubbing inner fender when turning sharp. I've checked and rechecked, and this is what the factory sticker calls for......Anyone else have this problem??????

 

[1997XLTRollover]

Are you running stock wheels? Also have you checked your ride height? Maybe your front suspension is sagging causing some issues. Could always crank the torsion bar up as needed. Also is it the same on both sides? Worn front suspension components possibly?

 

[olebyker]

Vehicle is bone stock, just replaced all front suspension, only has 129k, is not sagging. I thought someone had put later model 5 spoke wheels, but searching images I find some 2000s had those. The original spare is still under car, it is 255-70R16. I was just curious if anyone else has had this problem, or am I the only one???

 

[olebyker]

Further info, after using tie raps to pull bottom of inner fenders back, I still have a rub on sway bar when turning sharp, both sides the same????? Only answer I see is to add stop, and limit turning radius.... I can't be the only one that has had this problem, they made a lot of this model....

 

[XLTrunner]

There's no question the wheels are the problem. Incorrect backspacing. Be willing to bet those wheels are not factory originals for that year truck. There's a reason somebody before you installed 245/70's (narrower). Too late to exchange your tires for 245's?

 

[Flash]

I have a 2000 2wd XLT 4liter,auto, completely stock, door sticker calls for 255-70R16s, (had 245s) just bought 4 new 255-70s, noticed they were rubbing on upper ball joint. Installed 3mm spacers, but now rubbing inner fender when turning sharp. I've checked and rechecked, and this is what the factory sticker calls for......Anyone else have this problem??????

It has to be the wheels.

I'm running 265/70/16 on later model 16s and it only scrapes on hard bumps on the side that doesn't have a bump stop.

 

[olebyker]

Thanks Runner & Flash, you're both right, Ex is stock '00 and wheels are stock, but they're '02, 1.250in difference in back-space. $75 spacers, problem solved...