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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
I recently drove the Gemini Bridges Trail (except for the last 0.2 miles)in my stock 1998 Explorer. There were a few spots where I wished I had a little more clearance. Is it possible and/or desirable to put 16 inch wheels on my SUV?
Taller tires for sure have an advantage, but you don't necessarely need to go for 16". You can for example go with 31x10.5-15, which will fit your Explorer without mods and which will let you reuse your rims.
Do a search on this board, and you will for sure will find answer for all possible questions, specially regarding tire sizes.
Hi Lee,
Welcome to the site. GJarrett and I lead a group of stockers to Gemini Bridges and went the whole way with them.
Your truck will make it no problem.
I'm really glad you take your truck out on the trails. we will have another run at Moab next year.
I would agree with Michael, that you don't really need to go with 16" rims. First of all, tires for 16" rims cost alot more that for 15" rims. You can go with a 31X10.5 R15 BFG KO. Real good tire, and they are fairly quiet. I ran those even when I was stock height. I only got rubbing on extreme bumps. After I did the torsion bar lift and OME rear springs that problem went away.
If you have the time, we are planning a large run in southern California at Truckhaven. This run is for all Explorers, newbies and experts alike, stockers and big dawgs. It will be held in January. You are welcome to come and enjoy some 4wheeling and comeradery with us. We will be posting this up here in the near future.
Hope you enjoy the site as much as the rest of the crew here does.
Lee,
I would stay with 15" wheels if you plan any further tire upgrades in the future. You have a lot more choice in wheels that fit with more choice of offsets and backspacing in the 15" catagory. On the street, the larger wheels aid in handling and braking because of the smaller sidewall and larger rotor possibilities. At this point, I have yet to find a non custom built bead lock wheel that will fit my tire/truck combination with the proper backspacing.
Rick
