Diff's in tire sizes and prices

[datacore]

Im new at this off-roading business so dont critize me if this is a dumb question, but i was looking to get some bigger tires for my 98 xlt and i was looking at some BFG's All-Terrain KO's. The 33x10.50x15's cost about 140 while the LT285/75R16D's cost about 180. According the BFG webpage they have almost the same height and rim size (give or take a half inch or so). What makes one 40 dollars more expensive than the other? Also would I be able to mount either on a set of 98 stock rims? Thanks

 

[ok89]

well one is for a 15" rim and one is for a 16" rim for starters. I'm not sure what diameter rims you have stock.

 

[Stephen S]

Welcome to the site!! You'll find everything you want to know about your truck right here. Welcome aboard!

The reason there is such a price difference in the tires is the rim size. The first tire you listed is for a 15" rim and the second is for a 16" rim. This is true for most all tires, not just off-road tires. Tires for 16" and larger rims are typically more expensive than tires for the common 15" rim. What tire would fit your stock rim depends on what size your stock rim is, 15" or 16". However, you won't be able to get a 33" tire under your 98 without some lift (about 3") and maybe some fender trimming. For a stock height Explorer, about the biggest you can go is 31". Hope this helps.

 

[datacore]

thanks for the help, im planning on doing a TT/Shackle lift along with the 3" PA Ranger lift so from what ive been reading I'll be able to fit them in there with little if any rubbing. Does anyone know if it is worth paying more for the BFG Mud-Terrain tires, and if they perform any better offroad?

 

[jimbo74]

i will attest that the BFG Mud Terrain T/A KM (the newest tire to the BFG Lineup) is better than the AT off road. The on road ride will be a little bit louder but they are the same compound of rubber and will last relatively the same amount of time. I have 31x10.5x15 BFG All Terrain T/A KO tires and I love them.

 

[datacore]

i also found out that i have 15" stock wheels, so i guess ill have to go with the cheaper tires anyway unless i get new wheels. Does anyone know how much it would cost to switch the tires onto new wheels, and who would do that sort of thing?

 

[jimbo74]

any tire shop will swap the tires onto new wheels...... but in my opinion that service is expensive unless you know someone that will do it..... a standard charge here for the swap is $10 per tire and then more if you wanted them balanced..... just wait to buty the new tires and rims at the same time to save a few bucks.... than get the new tires mounted to the new rims then put on the truck