31 X 10.5 or 30 X 9.5 Tires

[pmassche]

I have 15 X 7 rims, 97 Explorer XL 2 Door,

I want the biggest, badest tires I can put on,
but I want to keep the handling I have.

As well, I do not want to adjust the gear ratios,
lift the car, or buy new rims.

Any suggestions? I am very worried about the
handling with 15 X 7 rims on 31 X 10.5 tires.

Thanks,

 

[jimbo74]

youll be fine with either combo and they will hurt fuel economy a little bit but wont kill it. the 31 is bigger and you can probably put that on. a good tire store will test fit it for you. also go with the bfg a/t ko everyone and their mom love them... they are a very good all around tire.trust me see signature

 

[Okrazie1]

Welcome to the site.

Go for the 31's! I have 'em on mine with no problems. There was a little rubbing on the bumper cover when I first got them, but that was a quick 10 minute fix with a razor knife. I don't think that would be an issue with the '97 due to the different bumper cover. I did see a slight difference with the gas mileage (maybe 1 mpg or so) but it's not bad. I really didn't notice any difference in the handling (still rides like a truck). If you do go with the bigger tire, I would recommend that if you still have the stock shocks to change them. This will change the handling (for the better) more than the tires will. I went with the Gabriel Gas Ryder LT, which seems to be a good, inexpensive shock.

 

[GRNMACHINE]

go with the 31's. they handle fine. and they look great.

 

[mdrut]

Dead Link Removed I don't know if this will help, but this is the stock 235x15 beside the BFG 31x10.5..The pictures don't really do the 31's justice as the 235's are not mounted and do not have any weight on them..The 31's ride great..

 

[drmoore71]

go for the 31x10.50's! i wish i had last year when i got my 30x9.50's. now i've got to spend a whole lot more money to get the bigger ones. at least i will be able to put the 30's on my wife's '97 as hand me downs, though.