Fitting 35's

[chad551]

Ok I am trying to get new tires for the ST but it just looks like 35's will not fit up front at all. So for those who have them (35's) can you show me what you trimmed? Did you cut the fender and inner metal fenders? I know the plastic may need some trimming. I figured with 8" of lift 35's would be easy.

Thanks,
Chad

 

[CougarX]

I'll get some pics in a little while and show ya. I've got 35s with 5-6" so you shouldn't need too much.

 

[cybergasm]

You can also look up Johnstone since he has some exprience lifting Sport tracs

 

[CougarX]

Actually, I'll be in St. Louis Oct. 17th-19th if ya want to look just at it. That way I can take a look at your coilover swap too

 

[chad551]

Actually, I'll be in St. Louis Oct. 17th-19th if ya want to look just at it That was I can take a look at your coilover swap too

That sounds great!! When it gets closer let me know and we can meet up.

My sensible side is thinking I should just go ahead and use 33's, but the other side is telling me "Go Big" and get 35's..

 

[CougarX]

The only reason to go 33s is if you don't want to swap gears. 35s are the way to go and look so much better on a Trac... not that I'm biased or anything...

 

[chad551]

I just found out that I can save over 400.00 if I go with the 33's. So it looks like I will take that route. I am just not sure if 1.5" of added clearance is worth carving up the fenders, and putting more stress on the CV's.

Was going to get the new BFG KM2, but the Cooper STT's are on sale.

Chad

 

[Yomie]

not a ST but 37's on 5" lift

 

[CougarX]

I just found out that I can save over 400.00 if I go with the 33's. So it looks like I will take that route. I am just not sure if 1.5" of added clearance is worth carving up the fenders, and putting more stress on the CV's.

Was going to get the new BFG KM2, but the Cooper STT's are on sale.

Chad

I honestly think that 35s will look a lot better with the Superlift and a bodylift. 33s would be fine with one or the other lift but not both. Tracs have larger wheel openings and are longer so they need a bigger tire to get the same look as a regular 2-door or 4-door Explorer with 33s. There's a guy that lives down the road from me that has a Trac with just a 3" body lift and a TT/shackles with 33s and they almost look too small.

And where have you been getting prices for tires? When I bought my tires, 35s were only about $100 more total then 33s for the same brand (BFG Muds). I lived in St. Louis for a year when I first had my Trac and thats when I bought the tires that are on it now. The cheapest place I found was SAMS club. I got all four 35x12.5x15 BFG Muds mounted and balanced with tax for around $850. They don't have Coopers but they had Goodyear, BFG and Dunlop Muds.

Do you have 15" or 16" wheels? Mine had 16" wheels on it when I bought it but the tires needed replacing. I actually was able to buy new 15" black steel wheels and 35s for a little cheaper then it would have cost to get tires for the 16" rims that I had. If you like the look of steel wheels (black, chrome or white) you might look into this. (most 15" aluminum wheels wont fir on a Trac due to the brakes)

 

[chad551]

I have 17" rims. I found another size tire that is a 295/70/17 which is a 34" tire. I just dont want to carve up the truck so 35's can fit. My ST is still extremely clean, and cut free, and want to keep it that way if possible.

Chad

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I don't blame you for not wanting to cut on it. I was going to suggest 34's. How about some pictures of what you have now? Especially in the wheel well area.

 

[cybergasm]

My sensible side is thinking I should just go ahead and use 33's, but the other side is telling me "Go Big" and get 35's..

I know the feeling i was at my buddies tire shop today and he had a set of 35" pro comp mud terrains for sale and i really had to resist temptation from buying them

 

[CougarX]

I have 17" rims. I found another size tire that is a 295/70/17 which is a 34" tire. I just dont want to carve up the truck so 35's can fit. My ST is still extremely clean, and cut free, and want to keep it that way if possible.

Chad

There is no cutting or trimming required that you can see on the back side of the fenderwell, it's all inside the plastic trim. I can't say for sure if the front bumper will need any trimming since mine isn't stock.

The back didn't need trimmed at all on mine.

 

[chad551]

I will take some pics this morning.

Chad

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Wow, I'd thought you'd had more room with a BL and 4" suspension. I wonder how others fit 35's with just suspension? Lots and lots of cutting sheetmetal? You could get some 34's like you said, or maybe a different offset wheel?

 

[chad551]

I ordered 34's, and I am starting to think my 700lb springs are not strong enough too. I may go up to 800lb.

 

[John_Rock]

Yeah, I think I need to to do some more trimming. I kept breaking my zipties that hold my fenders on this last weekend.

 

[chad551]

Holy crap!!! What in the hell are trying to do there, or bet yet, where are you going?

 

[John_Rock]

Holy crap!!! What in the hell are trying to do there, or bet yet, where are you going?

LOL. Just out offroading this last Sunday in Texas. Here's a thread with some pics and videos.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196725

 

[chad551]

Cougar,

You still coming to STL this weekend? I am getting heavier coil springs Friday, and hopefully it will lift the front so the 35's will fit. I would like to see your ST in person.

Chad