1993 Eddie Bauer - 31 Inch tires??

[Luna93]

I know what everyone will say when they read the title ... “this has already been talked about!!”

Truth is: every thread has said different things, I’m just trying to clear the air so don’t kill me!!

My current set up: stock 1993 Eddie Bauer Explorer. My gear ratio is 3.27.

Can I put 31 inch tires on without any long term problems? I live in south florida, but intended to travel a bit in the southeast. Nothing major.

Just looking for some clarification. Photos are welcomed!

 

[RangerX]

First post here says they will fit.. Solved - Lifts and Max tire sizes
But you asked about long term problems, with 31s and 3.27, you will bring a quick death to your transmission if you have an automatic.

 

[Luna93]

Thanks for the reply! Glad I could get a solid answer.

Although it comes with some disappointment, I really would like those 31s. Would I need to change my axle ratio to 3.73 for this to be possible? After I do that, I should be okay to put on some bigger tires?

 

[MrQ]

I wouldn't say you would kill the A4LD with 3.27's and 31's, but you would have to be easy on the throttle and ditch the OEM trans cooler for an aftermarket one (Do this one regardless). Your effective ratio would be 3.07, which coincidentally enough, is a stock ratio for first gen Explorers. (My first Explorer had 3.08's). It will be a dog, but if Ford said that gear ratio was ok with the A4LD who am I to argue? A lot of people have wheeled 31's on 3.27's on here.

However, I would definitely go to 3.73's when you get a chance; you, and the A4LD, will be a lot happier.

 

[Luna93]

I wouldn't say you would kill the A4LD with 3.27's and 31's, but you would have to be easy on the throttle and ditch the OEM trans cooler for an aftermarket one (Do this one regardless). Your effective ratio would be 3.07, which coincidentally enough, is a stock ratio for first gen Explorers. (My first Explorer had 3.08's). It will be a dog, but if Ford said that gear ratio was ok with the A4LD who am I to argue? A lot of people have wheeled 31's on 3.27's on here.

However, I would definitely go to 3.73's when you get a chance; you, and the A4LD, will be a lot happier.

I’m actually a total dimwit and read my code wrong: I have 3.73 ratio! I’m super stoked to get to work and get 31 inch tires! I think it’ll look kick ass.

Any other recommendations before I get those tires?

 

[Rockwood]

I wouldn't say you would kill the A4LD with 3.27's and 31's, but you would have to be easy on the throttle and ditch the OEM trans cooler for an aftermarket one (Do this one regardless). Your effective ratio would be 3.07, which coincidentally enough, is a stock ratio for first gen Explorers. (My first Explorer had 3.08's). It will be a dog, but if Ford said that gear ratio was ok with the A4LD who am I to argue? A lot of people have wheeled 31's on 3.27's on here.

However, I would definitely go to 3.73's when you get a chance; you, and the A4LD, will be a lot happier.

I ran and wheeled a 96 sport with 33's and 327s for quite a while with no ill effects. All depends on your right foot!

 

[410Fortune]

Yes if the 93 is all stock and you are stuffing 31's under it consider a Skyjacker 1/5" lift kit from Ebay....new front coils will lift you exactly 1.5" in the front and comes with new shocks.
In the rear use a set of warrior style shackles and that will lift the back 1-2" to match the front.
Now you can clear those 31's and have fresh coils and shocks. The Skyjacker coils ride SO NICE!!

 

[Luna93]

You are the man!!

Yes if the 93 is all stock and you are stuffing 31's under it consider a Skyjacker 1/5" lift kit from Ebay....new front coils will lift you exactly 1.5" in the front and comes with new shocks.
In the rear use a set of warrior style shackles and that will lift the back 1-2" to match the front.
Now you can clear those 31's and have fresh coils and shocks. The Skyjacker coils ride SO NICE!!

 

[shran]

Are you using your stock wheels? I have a 1.5" lift in the front of mine and 31-10.5's touch the bumper and inner fender liner when the wheels are turned. They are mounted on 15x8 Mickey Thompson wheels though and stick way out past the fenders. I'm tempted to mount them on a set of factory wheels just for fun. 31-9.50's would probably fit better.

I have 30x9.50's on another set of MT wheels and they rubbed the same spots before the lift was installed..... annoying. But they look cool.

 

[Luna93]

Are you using your stock wheels? I have a 1.5" lift in the front of mine and 31-10.5's touch the bumper and inner fender liner when the wheels are turned. They are mounted on 15x8 Mickey Thompson wheels though and stick way out past the fenders. I'm tempted to mount them on a set of factory wheels just for fun. 31-9.50's would probably fit better.

I have 30x9.50's on another set of MT wheels and they rubbed the same spots before the lift was installed..... annoying. But they look cool.

Yes I’m using stock wheels.

Got any pics?

 

[shran]

No lift, 30x9.50's:

1.5" lift in the front, 3" in the rear, 30x9.50's:

Same lift, 31x10.50's. Hard to tell where the tire rubs in this pic but I assure you, they do.

31x10.50's, no lift, on my 2 door

 

[Luna93]

No lift, 30x9.50's:

1.5" lift in the front, 3" in the rear, 30x9.50's:

Same lift, 31x10.50's. Hard to tell where the tire rubs in this pic but I assure you, they do.

31x10.50's, no lift, on my 2 door

I love that look of the first photo. I’m primarily in Florida so it would be light off-roading. You got good style !! Any rub with ur 2 door ? I saw you said no lift, so I’m curious.

 

[shran]

Yeah... they rub a lot on the inner fender liner on the front. No bumper to worry about on that one. Rear will rub the wheel well arch. It needs some trimming or a lift if it was to be driven like that.

 

[Luna93]

So it seems there’s rubbing no matter what ? Earlier in the thread, I was told that 1.5 on the front and 2” in the back will help clear the rub ??

 

[shran]

It really depends on your wheels. Keep in mind that mine are an inch wider than stock and stick out further because of their backspacing... so your stock wheels may be just fine where mine contact various places.