31x12.5x15s Thornbirds Question

[VW/FordGuy]

Hello all, ive been following the forum for quite some time and now is my time to finally ask a question =). I got a 2000 Explorer 5.0. I did the typical mods to it. Rear shackles,Torsion Twist. It sits higher then most peoples that I see on the forum. Im running stock tires at the moment. Im thinking about getting some 31x12.5x15s for my explorer. Ive done some typical searching and Ive found what height tires fit with what lifts and ect; but nothing on width on stock wheels and such. My question is will that size tire work ok on my stock wheels. If so will I run into and rubbing issues on the spindle or anything of that sort. Im also gonna be doing a 1in body lift within the next week. But I dont think height will be a issue at all. Or if anyone has this size tire and brand on stock wheel and can lead me to a area with pictures of it that would be amazing.

Thank you very much

 

[explorerguy89]

ive got 31 1050 15's and at full tilt my backs rub so im guessing without changing your backspace you'll rub more but idk truthfully just my 2 cents

 

[Mbrooks420]

12.5's will rub at full lock. And most people frown on the thornbirds.

 

[XLT]

X2 on thornturds. Plenty of good tires to choose from.

 

[VW/FordGuy]

Ok, so at full luck they will rub inner fender? A buddy of mine has (4) of them laying around about 7/8th tread left (almost new) for $50. So I dont think I could pass them up.
Yeah ive been trying to find a picture of that size tire mounted on a stock explorer wheel but came up short handed.

Thanks, any other input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mbrooks420]

12.5's might rub mightily. I can rub my 10.5's if I am flexing. I used to barely hit my swaybar, when I ran one. Thornbirds have those knobs that hang out, so would be worse.

 

[tgreene92]

i rub 31x10.5'S quite often and i ride with stiff shocks(ranchos). i wouldn't recommend and couldnt imagine a 12.5 wide tire with on tt and shackles especially with thornbirds. and thornbirds are no good tires anyway my buddy ran 36 inch groundhawgs with 25% tread and got through more stuff than when he later switched to thornbirds. needless to say he got rid of em pretty quick and went with boggers.

 

[Hartman]

I had an 11.5 on a stock rim and I wouldn't want to go any wider than that.

 

[kevinsranger]

thornturds are going to be your biggest problem, those side lugs tend to grab the sway bars and anything else that sticks out and bind really bad. i learned the hard way with my bronco i used to have, trying to pull into parking spots the side lug would grab my sway bar and stop the truck completely

 

[Hartman]

thornturds are going to be your biggest problem, those side lugs tend to grab the sway bars and anything else that sticks out and bind really bad. i learned the hard way with my bronco i used to have, trying to pull into parking spots the side lug would grab my sway bar and stop the truck completely

I just got a mental image of that happening and spit out my coffee

 

[kevinsranger]

I just got a mental image of that happening and spit out my coffee

haha oh believe me i got alot of funny looks and friends that laughed at me lol. it was worse then trying to make a tight turn in 4 wheel drive on pavement

 

[snoranger]

thornturds are going to be your biggest problem, those side lugs tend to grab the sway bars and anything else that sticks out and bind really bad. i learned the hard way with my bronco i used to have, trying to pull into parking spots the side lug would grab my sway bar and stop the truck completely

My Thornturds do the same thing. Those lugs stick out FAR. They catch on everything they can. They've even caught peoples loose fitting clothing as they walk to close to the truck.

 

[VW/FordGuy]

Ha, Ok well that idea is out then. Thanks for all the great input. Its nice to have such quick mature responses on this forum.

Appreciate it =)