Hi fellow Explorer drivers!

[Breck]

I'm a recent owner of a 2003 Limited 4wd. I love the looks of it, but as with all Ford trucks, they've put too small a tire on it (245's)! Here in Iowa we get plenty of snow during the winter and I'd sure like to get a bigger all terrain tire on it, like a 265/ 70R17 would be sweet. Problem is, every one is telling me they won't fit without a 2" lift. Naturally, I can't find any thing out there lift-wise for an 03 Explorer. Does anybody out there know if I need the lift? Thanks!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum!

 

[misconceived]

No lift. Search the site.

Many Many people with 265's including myself.

 

[caesarw72]

Welcome! I'm running 275/45 20's without raising it, in fact there was so much wheel well space I lowered it.. Which lead me into my current problem in a seperate thread, my front is higher than the back by a little..

 

[guitarfrk741]

Welcome! I'm running 275/45 20's without raising it, in fact there was so much wheel well space I lowered it.. Which lead me into my current problem in a seperate thread, my front is higher than the back by a little..

yeah but i think he was looking at all terrains...and im assuming your talking about street tires as you mentioned lowering it....

you should be ok if you go w some 265/75/15s ...youll get a little rub if you hit a huge bump or make a full turn..

but its nothing to really worry about

 

[Rammer24]

Im running 265/75/16 BFG's and love them.. Im stock on an 05. The only thing I had to do is zipp tie the plastic gaurd back and the wheel doesn't rub on bit. BFG's have gotten the best reviews from anyone that has run them. Spend the money and buy BFG's.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2681705

here's mine on the BFG's

 

[misconceived]

The whole rubbing issue is not true on all explorers.
It all depends on what kind of tire you have & how much tread they have on them.

I have Kumho Mud Terrains in 265/75/16 and have no rubbing unless I have the wheel @ full tilt & I am on a steep incline.

For some reason everyone with BFG's seems to have minor rubbing issues.

Like it has been said, it's only the plastic liner. It won't cause any major damage.

Fill those wheelwells!!! :


Oh and 1 more answer to a question that always comes up.
YES, you can fit a 265 where your spare goes. It's tight but it'll fit.

 

[Breck]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

 

[bigapple]

I'm a recent owner of a 2003 Limited 4wd. I love the looks of it, but as with all Ford trucks, they've put too small a tire on it (245's)! Here in Iowa we get plenty of snow during the winter and I'd sure like to get a bigger all terrain tire on it, like a 265/ 70R17 would be sweet. Problem is, every one is telling me they won't fit without a 2" lift. Naturally, I can't find any thing out there lift-wise for an 03 Explorer. Does anybody out there know if I need the lift? Thanks!

im running 265.75.16 dueler apts without rub but then again i got 2" lifted springs on the front and it looks great... if u want 2 extra inches, go to coilsprings.com and i would call them if i was u to get quoted for a set of springs... they use ur OEM number off the spring to get a custom fit... heres the result... remember that those tires will fit just fine anyway though

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome to the forum

 

[2005explorer]

check this out!!

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2438703