Got a question for a high mileage Explorer.

[Data804]

Im thinking of buying some 22" rims for my 1994 Ford Explorer. My explorer has 400,000 miles on it. What do i need to check in the engine department to make sure that its okay to put the wheels on.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

You need to check more then the engine. When you "upgrade" to wheels that big, you're putting more stress on the rear axle, and the transmission as well. You'll probably kill your transmission before long if you go to that size, you're adding another 7 inches of rim on each corner of the vehicle, with the added circumference, along with the weight, it won't be long before you start having problems.

 

[Data804]

What do you suggest i check it if i make that decision. Should i upgrade the axles and do something to the transmission?

 

[ExplorerBus I]

If it's made it for 400,000+ miles, I wouldn't change a damn thing on it unless I had to!

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

If it's made it for 400,000+ miles, I wouldn't change a damn thing on it unless I had to!

This is true as well, I just didn't want to say it, lol.

I've heard of, and even found some "upgrade" kits for the A4LD, but I wouldn't trust them. 22" rims are more trouble then they're worth, between the wear and tear on the drivetrain, to the cleaning, to changing your driving style...

Go with some 18's, keep a decent size tire, and rollout. It's a 15 year old SUV, it's never going to look amazing if you dont' plan on spending some serious cash.

 

[TeckNine4]

400,000k Sheesh!!

22's wouldn't effect the rear axle, maybe the diffs. but i doubt it.
The 22's are going to be worth more than the truck probally, so id get a alarm or some other type of secuity device on it if you do get them.

 

[sjr033]

I would at least check the brakes, if not upgrade them. As with any increase in rolling mass, you need to able to stop it.

 

[Mickelsons]

IMO....If you are using 22 inch rims, but the outside tire diameter says the same (super low profile) I would not see how that would put anymore stress on anything, you are just replacing rubber with metal and if they are an aluminum wheel they may even be lighter than the same small rim large tire combination.

 

[boggs1227]

i can tell you that increasing the over all diameter and rolling kinectic mass does make for not a good combonation with out upgraded brakes....my father had a 2006 tahoe and put 22's on it with toyo tires and ever time he was comeing down from high ways speeds he could not stop properlly or really at red lights his abs brakeing was all screwed up as well.

he ended up takeing the tires off and putting the stock ones back on and no more problems ...after that he sold the rims and tires ....kinda scared him in a way .

 

[Mickelsons]

i can tell you that increasing the over all diameter and rolling kinectic mass does make for not a good combonation with out upgraded brakes....my father had a 2006 tahoe and put 22's on it with toyo tires and ever time he was comeing down from high ways speeds he could not stop properlly or really at red lights his abs brakeing was all screwed up as well.

he ended up takeing the tires off and putting the stock ones back on and no more problems ...after that he sold the rims and tires ....kinda scared him in a way .

You are absolutely correct, the "over all diameter" is what makes the difference, the wheel diameter is a mute point, if you can keep the same diameter tires with a 22 inch rim as you have with a 15 inch rim, you will not notice a difference, unless the width is different which I am sure it would be.

 

[Data804]

We shall see. thanks for the input. There has never been anything wrong with the truck. I maintain it pretty good. If i do get them, ill definitely upgrade the brakes.

 

[Spdrcer34]

I can guarantee you that the 22 wheel wheel tire combo will weigh 2x what the stock 15 in rims and tires weigh.

Rotational weight has a greater impact on acceleration, braking, and therefor mileage and safety than static weight....meaning, lets say you add another 150 lbs in rotational weight by way of adding larger rims & tires. It will affect acceleration, & braking more than if you just had another passenger in the car.

If the A4LD is the original...congratulations. I have never heard of an A4LD going that long.

I have Saleen 18" rims on my `92, and I was getting 21+ just before I broke the 3rd transmission...had I been running the stock 15" rims, I probably could have gotten 1 mpg more.

Ryan

 

[Spdrcer34]

How are you going to Upgrade the brakes?

Might I suggest these:


Ryan

 

[Spdrcer34]

the wheel diameter is a mute point

LOL...That is the FUNNIEST thing I've read in a long time.....

You mean 'moot' point?....The point is moot....

That reminds me of my favorite episode of FRIENDS....



Joey:....This is all a moo point.....
Rachel: huh....a MOO point?
{Then all 3 of them look at him like he's an idiot, because he is}

Joey: Yeah, it's like a cows opinion. Ya kow, it just doesn't matter!

IT'S MOO!!

Ryan

 

[boggs1227]

If it's made it for 400,000+ miles, I wouldn't change a damn thing on it unless I had to!

....nuff said

 

[Data804]

I was going to get better performing brake pads and drilled Rotors.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

I was going to get better performing brake pads and drilled Rotors.

Just me if I was moving to 22's....
-Look into upgrading the front brakes, go with the slotted and drilled rotors like you said, but look into BIGGER rotors, with a better performing caliper. That's what SpdRcer34 is showing in his picture, he has bigger rotors, and a MUCH better caliper then stock. His setup is customized to fit what he has, but from what he's posted in other areas, his stopping power has increased tremendously.
-Also look into swapping out the rear drum brakes with disc brakes. It's been done a few times before, I also believe you'll like the look better, and also the stopping power. Having 4 wheel disc brakes is much better then drum brakes, and with the 22's you'll need all the help you can get.

-Josh

 

[Data804]

Whats a good site to get all the brake set up?