30x11.5x15 swampers on a 2wd?

[COYOTE102076]

Not my truck. A co-worker has a bone stock 2002 2WD ST. It has the D4 rear axle. He is interested in fixing it up "Baja Style" ( I think he was refering to Pre-Runner trucks).
He has found a super SUPER deal on a set of 30x11.50x15 Super Swamper Thornbird's mounted on 15X10 MT Classic II rims. They came off of a 1998 Ranger. I am asuming the 2wd Ranger & the 2wd ST are the same backspacing / bolt pattern so they should bolt up without any problems. IF my asumption is correct.
NOW, here is the question: He thinks he can run these without any lift at first, as long as he keeps it on the street & not off road till he can get a 3" body lift.
I said I kinda doubt they would. At the least I suggested the TT and extended rear shacles. ( I am making him a super heavy duty set 4" longer than stock that will outlast the truck )

So...... 1) Has anyone in here run a 30x11.50 on their Sport Trac before and 2) What is you all's opinion on how much lift is needed?
Remember, this is a 2WD

 

[COYOTE102076]

Correction: His axle is a 46, not a D4. OOPS!!!

 

[joewest]

they will fit for sure if he feels some rubbing just do a slight crank to the torison bars that will fix it but i dont think they will rub though

 

[OffTrac]

The height will be fine, but (I think) it will rub because of the width since 10.5" wide tires rub, especially in the rear. He'll look pretty silly with 30" tires and a 3" body lift, in my opinion, though. He also needs to know beforehand if the wheels will fit for sure. Not all 15" wheels fit STs but some do. I'd start there before considering anything else.

Just because something is a great deal, doesn't mean its the best deal. If the tires fit and its such a good deal that the tires are basically free and he really likes the wheels enough that he would mount bigger tires on them in the future (after a body lift), sure, jump on it. Otherwise, I'd say consider more options before buying this setup. Again, just my opinion. Either way he decides, I would like to see pictures.

 

[Clusterpup]

30" tires with a 3" lift will look like crap, they are too small.