Cheap wheel/tire upgrade

[crazeinc]

Hi guys. I have a '94 Explorer Sport 4wd. I'd like to upgrade the wheels and tires.

I would like to run a black wheel, something like this:

But I don't really know about tires. Something like a BFG all terrain, but those are really expensive. I want a nice tread to make it through a Chicago winter, but also one that doesn't whine louder than the stereo at highway speeds.

Any suggestions on tires and sizing? I would rather not have to install a lift or suspension kit. I just wanna stuff as much tire in the wells as possible to give it a more aggressive look, but don't want any rubbing problems.

Thanks,
PJ

 

[crazeinc]

would these fit?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6763&item=2456872724

 

[Robb]

The black "Steelies", Rockcrawlers, Nascar wheels are a good choice for solid, dependable wheels. Your best overall size for the wheels would be 15x8 with 3.75 backspacing. As far as those eBay wheels, they probably won't fit. I would guess that Willys probably used a 5x5.5 bolt pattern, your X bolt pattern is 5x4.5.

For tire sizing, take a look at the "Max Tire/ Lift" thread located at the top of the "Tires and Wheels" forum. If you don't want to lift, a 31x10.5 is just about as large as you can go. The 15x8 wheels would be great for that size.

For brand of tire, that is SO debatable that it isn't even funny. For a great overall tire, I always go with Michs, but if BFG ATs are out of your price range, that doesn't help.

Welcome To EF!!!!

 

[crazeinc]

Thanks Robb, that helps a lot

 

[crazeinc]

ok, on a completely different note, since I don't really plan on offroading this truck since it have a fair amount of miles and I want it to last.

Would these fit on my Explorer? It's the same bolt pattern but I've read some problems with the 4wd.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2457759791&category=38662

 

[Robb]

I would have to say no-go on those either, but wait for a 1st Gen guy to confirm that.

You will need a wheel that has a large enough center hole to accomodate your front hub, or cut away at the center hole. From the looks of those replicas, I don't think you can make them work. Your choice in "street" wheels is going to be limited by that front hub.

 

[crazeinc]

Ah, ok. I see that now. Thanks.

 

[crazeinc]

any idea what the metric conversion of a 31x10.5x15 is?

 

[N2MUDN91]

265/75 is the closest to a 31 I beleive......

Shane

 

[Robb]

Shane is correct.

Here is a tire calculator for future reference.

 

[N2MUDN91]

yay!!





Shane

 

[crazeinc]

http://www.4wheelparts.com/product_info.asp?sku=TEC51-58

Are these the correct rockcrawlers for my truck? I didn't see anywhere about the bolt pattern so I'm not sure.

 

[Blee1099]

Originally posted by crazeinc
http://www.4wheelparts.com/product_info.asp?sku=TEC51-58

Are these the correct rockcrawlers for my truck? I didn't see anywhere about the bolt pattern so I'm not sure.

Yup those will work.. When you order, they'll ask you for the bolt pattern..

 

[proffessor1979]

whats a good place to get rims?...i would like some 15 x 8" rims...

 

[bigdaddykarl]

Tire bargains can be had at Pep Boys. They've got a 31x10.50 R 15 tire that's similar to the BFG A/T (it's ALMOST as aggressive) for $75.
It's the Futura Scrambler (I think)

Futura tires are actually made by Cooper, one of US's oldest tire manufacturers, though I think they've gone overseas with their production, surprise surprise.

They also have a mud terrain type, called the Enforcer. They're about $10-15 more.

I put Futura tires on my Mustang, about a decade ago, and they performed so much better than the 2 sets of BFGs and 1 set of Goodyear Eagles. They were quieter, lasted longer, and gripped better.

No, I don't work for Pep Boys or Cooper, just sharing my experience.

And right now I'm running Goodyears....thanks to the Firestone fiasco.

 

[proffessor1979]

THey do have some cool tires there..too bad they don't have any rims that are over 7"....at least the PB by me didn't