Late model wheels on 1st Gen?

[tundra timmy]

Will the stock Explorer wheels from a 97 or 03 fit on my '91? I'm looking for a second set to mount snow tires on and have come across full sets from both year models to potentially pick up.

 

[MrQ]

If I recollect correctly, the the rims from a 97 will work since they are 15's. The 2003 rims, though are 16in and will require different size tires

 

[tundra timmy]

Aah, I wonder if the bolt pattern is the same on all three generations, even though the tire size has changed?

 

[MrQ]

I know for sure the 2nd gens (95-01) have the same bolt pattern. Not sure about the 3rd gen rims (02-05)

 

[CDW6212R]

The wheels until the new 2002 body style fit perfectly. I have those 97ish wheels with studded snow tires now, for sale. Come down and get them. Regards,

 

[gmanpaint]

2nd gen tear drops on my 94

 

[tundra timmy]

Nice. Will going to 265/75R/16's require any lift for clearance, or is it just going to affect the speedo?

 

[gmanpaint]

I would say more than likely you will need to raise it a bit for those tires. I have 31" on the '94. I raised the front by using the F-150 coil spacers, (had to get an alignment after), and a cheap set of shackles from AutoZone for the rear. Raised it around 1 3/4". Gave me plenty of room for the wheels to articulate while off roading with out any trimming at all.

 

[MrShorty]

Nice. Will going to 265/75R/16's require any lift for clearance, or is it just going to affect the speedo?

265/75/16 is about a 32 inch tire. 31 inch is about as big as you can fit under 1st gen Explorers without lifting (and even then 31 inch sometimes rub a little)

 

[tundra timmy]

So if I run across a good buy on a set of BFG 31 x 10.5 x 15 on stock 2nd gen wheels, they'll fit on my 91 without mods?

 

[MrShorty]

If you can tolerate some rubbing you will be fine. My 31x10.5x15's rub just a little bit in the front at with the steering wheel turned all the way to the right. Some people get away without any rubbing. Until you put them on, you probably won't know for sure if they are going to rub a little or not.

If you won't tolerate any rubbing at all, then see if you can "try before you buy" or something -- just in case.

 

[alexk]

Ive seen second gen wheels on a 3rd gen and 4th gen wheels on a third gen so as far as bolt pattern goes I think you pretty much have your choice.

 

[tundra timmy]

Thnx all.

 

[ExploringNC]

I threw my 31' mud tires and stock rims from my '98 onto my '91 with no problem, only rub is very little on the sway bar when cranked all the way.