1998 explorer - PLEASE HELP

[JatZilla]

Guys,
My 1998 Explorer 4x4 is at the dealer right now, getting a bunch of things done including the heat/AC fix for which I'm paying $910. I know, don't ask.

The front two tires are balding on one side and the truck vibrates at speeds over 65, so I know the front wheels are out of alignment (duh) The dealer wants $244 for the front caster, camber and shims, $75 for front alignment and $240 for 2 tires. This sounds excessive as does everything else, but now I'm thinking of doing something else.

Since the wheels are old and a little rusty, I was thinking of getting 4 new tires+wheels, bigger than what I have now (stock). Can somebody tell me what size wheels/tires can I get that do not require the truck to be modified(lifted?) in any way? The truck is driven on road only and I value a comfortable ride with low noise.

I'm in central NJ...if somebody can tell me where to get the best prices on wheels+tires+alignment+ caster/camber, I'd really appreciate it.

TIA

 

[xxScapegoat]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67200

should find some of your answer there. I, however, have no clue about tire shops where you are. The furthesteast ive been is texas.

 

[Doug]

OK 4wd in Stewartsville has alot of stuff but they're pricey but they do good work. My parents take thier cars to Michael Brothers in Glen Gardner, they do good work. Shop around, there are deals to be had out there.

 

[JatZilla]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67200

should find some of your answer there. I, however, have no clue about tire shops where you are. The furthesteast ive been is texas.

I saw this already. It says:

95-2001
No lift- 31x10.50x15 on 15x8 rim

I checked on Tirerack and another site - they say the stock wheel size is 17, not 15. So now I'm confused.....

 

[302Xplorer]

Search tirerack by size not vehicle type. Just use the drop down to search 31x10.5x15

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compa...=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&x=93&y=3&RunFlat=All

 

[jwrezz]

Etd

ETD tire has been very good to me. I've been going for alignments once a year for the past 5 years, more often if I whack some thing good off roading.

They know my vehicle, and have worked with me during my initial 2" lift and put on my 31's, as well as the next phase w/ 33's. Now I can't guarantee all of them will be as willing to work w/ you, but the guys in the Denville store are great. I know that's way out of your area. If there's one down by you, just go ask them.

The 31's will fit you, but the shop may be nice, like mine, or jerks like so many other places are to guys w/ explorers. Don't try to push the issue if they refuse you though! That could cause another uHaul debacle, and the corporate heads of ETD will force all shop owners to only put stock size tires on any and all explorers! Good luck,

 

[JatZilla]

thanks everyone

I dropped the whole idea of getting fatter tires and just told the dealer to slap on two new tires in the front. that alone ran me $700:

two tires: $257
mount and balance: $35
alignment: $74.95
replace inner tie rod end: $80 + 54.55
replace cam: $171 + 27.64