I Wanna Downsize!!

[Explo01]

Okay, I'm facing a problem right now so if you have any input, it will be greatly appreciated.
>>I have stock 16" wheels on my '01 Sport and I want to fit 15x8" MT Classic IIs, with 3 5/16"bs. I am supposed to go and test fit them in a few days and I really hope they fit, but I've been told that the oversized caliper may interfere with a 15" rim. If that happens, is there anything that I can do to make them fit w/out changing the rotors/calipers? Like maybe a 3" steering knuckle, or maybe some wheel spacers? If I decide to upgrade my brake system, what are some good aftermarket rotors/calipers for an Ex?

 

[Robb]

You can fit the 15" wheels with no problem.

 

[SiLenZe]

oversize caliper? those things are tiny!

 

[IAmTodd]

My stock 15" wheels didn't fit our '02 XLT. The dust shield on the back of the rotor is too big and would need trimed. After thats cleared it looks like it would hit the spindle(I think thats what its called). But since the sport has the same suspension as the older ones, it should fit. I think Mascman is running that wheels. But I'm not 100% sure.

 

[Explo01]

Just to give you guys an idea of how big the caliper is, I can't fit my fingers between my stock wheels and caliper!! :fire: I think that's pretty big. I'm to the point of praying that 15" wheels fit b/c my main issue is that they cost much less than 16" wheels. And not only that, the tires that go with 15" wheels are way cheaper than the ones for 16"!!

Here's a comparison for wheel/tire prices:
(@ some local places)

Mickey Thompson Classic IIs
15x8 (3 5/16 bs)..........$93
16x8 (4 bs)..................$115

$115 x 4= $460
$93 x 4=$372
$460 - $372= $88 difference

BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO
31x10.5/15..................$100
32x11.5/15..................$113
265/75/16...................$ a whopping 136
(equivilence to 31.8x10.5/16)

$113 x 4= $452
$136 x 4= $544
$544 - $452= $94 difference

Do you guys see what I'm facing?

 

[Jason_25]

So why don't you just ditch the wheel idea altogether and get the tires for 16" wheels? You will come out cheaper in the end and have money left over to spend on functional things like lockers and such.

 

[Explo01]

Not only do the size of 15" wheels look nice, but I keep function in mind too. The 3 5/16" bs of the 15x8 wheel sounds appealing compared to the 4" bs of the 16x8 wheel or even the bs of a stock 16x7 wheel. I don't want to encounter problems with tire rub and excessive trimming. I also keep in mind the width of a wheel, b/c it affects how much the tire tread makes contact with the ground. You know what I mean?

 

[Robb]

My '95 XEB came stock with the 16" wheels and have since been replaced with 15" wheels. No problems encountered.

I have never heard of the "oversized" calipers.

 

[Explo01]

Okay so the calipers aren't necessarily "oversized" as I claimed, but the rotor is like approximately 12" in diameter. Does that sound right for an Explorer? Or are they normally around 11"?

 

[IAmTodd]

I'd take my wheel off and measure, but I'm too lazy right now. and I garuntee you they will fit. There is an '01 Sport at the local dealer and it has stock 15 inch wheels. And below is a pic of it. If you can tell. They're the ones that JDraper has on his Explorer.

Edit, This one is a 5 Speed too Check it out http://www.bushford.com/pages/prese....asp?orgid=2071&vin=1FMYU70EX1UB96532&photo=Y

 

[JDraper]

I heard my name being used in vain, so I had to come look .


They should fit without a problem. Gen II Explorers were offered with both 15" and 16" rims standard, but there were no brake size options available. My '01 came stock with 15" rims, with the 16's as an option.

 

[Explo01]

Well then! That gives me a big sigh of relief! Those dish wheels on the silver Explorer sure are 15" in diameter. But just to make sure I'm still going to get those 15" MT ClassicIIs fitted sometime next week
JDraper, do you have plenty of space between the caliper and the wheel? Or is it really tight in there?

 

[Explo01]

They Fit!!

After several weeks of researching the fitment of 15" wheels on my Sport, I went to a local shop and had the M/T Classics test-fitted. And to my delight, they fit with no problems!! The only thing that obstructed the calipers' clearance were the stick-on weights. On the spot I went ahead and made the purchase at a resonable price.
So right now, I'm doubting the fitment of 32" tires on my 0" lift Sport. Does anyone think that just a TT and shackles will do the trick? Thank you for your guys' input.

 

[IAmTodd]

I know you ain't gonna fit 32s w/o lift!! But digger ran 32s w/TT. I know he had to trim a little. Check out his site, he has trimming pics!