Help, I'm seriously lost on this subject- wheels. | Ford Explorer Forums

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Help, I'm seriously lost on this subject- wheels.

SouthernSAR

Well-Known Member
Joined
December 21, 2011
Messages
202
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City, State
Naples, FL
Year, Model & Trim Level
2004 Explorer ST XLS
Ok, I've read as much as I can on this and it makes a little sense to me but not much. I'm wanting to run 33x12.50x15s on an 04 Strac with a shackle/tt lift. I understand I need to think about rubbing/cutting/backspacing/offset/etc, but I have no idea what I'm doing with that stuff. The setup I'm looking at getting is a set of cragar soft 8s and the aforementioned tire size. What I would like is recommendations on tires for less than 230 bucks a piece and an explanation on what I would need to do to have said setup fit. I understand regearing is necessary and have decided to regear to 4.56.

Thanks in advance guys,
-Jared
 



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Those are the same wheel/tire combo I and other members run. 15x8 with 4" backspacing is the rim size that you need 5x4.5" bolt pattern. I bought my Goodyear DuraTrac's for $146 each at the local GY dealer after pricing around and them beating the best price I found. Luke has this setup with the TT, SL.
 






Thank you so much, if you don't mind I'd like to ask that with the 4" backspacing the soft 8s have do I need to do anything like trim?

Also, duratracs like these? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gyt-31940/overview/
I ask because Summit says the min. recommended wheel width is 8.50. I figured there might be an issue there.

Once again, thanks heaps!
-Jared
 






I actually run a 3" body lift, and no TT or SL.

That is the recommended, but I, and many others, run the 8" wide rim, without any problem at all.
 






Sweet, so would it be safe to say that if I wanted to go for a tire besides the DuraTracs that recommends and 8.5 wheel I'd be fine also?

Really appreciate the responses folks :)
-Jared
 






My bad Luke, had a brain fart. Too many miles/ hours behind the wheel of a Big truck and little to no sleep does that, lol. SAR, you can run any 3x12.50x15 on those rims with no problems. Since you do slot of muddin' I'd look at tires from tread right, Hugh just got a set for a great price, also check out the Cooper SST's and a tire brand named Fierce. You not only want a tire with a meaty tread pattern but good sidewall cleats as well to help dig thru the mud. With bigger tires comes the fun of trimming the plastic on our trucks but it's not noticable. I gotta try and get some sleep while my 14 month old is actually sleeping and I have two long runs tomorrow.
 






hey jerry you sure you are not referring to me with the treadwright tire? i have LT265/75R16 on stock rims its the treadwright.com guard dog model on BFGoodrich mudd terrain cassing and D range.
 






My last set of tires were 33x12.5x15s intercos on D holes with 4" BS (same as your soft 8s).
I ran them till bald with just a 1.5" TT. I did have to cut a good bit out but they ran fine.

I would not suggest any interco tires if you plan on ANY road driving.. they're crap for the road. but fun as can be off road.
 






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