Solved Lifts and Max tire sizes

[JMan689]

lemme add a lil, i managed to stuff 33x12.50s under my 92 X with about 1.5 inch of lift. 15x8 wheels, 4" backspace

Your truck looks awesome like that, but don't they rub BIG time at full flex?

OK....so I am asking around, getting opinions...and so far, every person I ask, I get different answers...

96..stock....

I want 31x10.5's...

Some say "no prob, they will go right on!"

Others say "nope...need some mods"

I also get. "yes, they will fit BUT, need to change steering stops"

What's the deal??

For some reason it seems like each X is a tad bit different, some people fit 31x10.5's fine and others need to do trimming/lifting to make them fit.

 

[warhead]

if i put 36-12.50-15 with 5,5superlift and 3 inch bodylift what kind of rim with offset i need?and does i need spacer?

 

[FROADER]

I'd go at least 3.75" backspacing.

 

[mksu19]

Girlie Girl needs advise!

Hi y'all, Im a bit confused. Im about to get the Sky Jacker 1.5" suspension and now im confused as to what size tyres I nedd to get. Would I be able to fit TSL-SX 31X13.5's or am I better off getting 30X11.5's? Im still new to this offroad thing and need some advise. Just got my 92 XLT and want to get it prepped up for the ski season!

 

[nyasgem]

Greetings! I have a stock/plain jane/nothing added '06 XLT with stock wheels P235/70R16 and I need new tires before the snow hits. Does anyone know the max tire size I can run without any modifications? I'm looking at something like a P265/70R16.
Thanks.
I really like my Explorer, just bought it in April and we have not regretted a single moment.

 

[Paraphoe]

Greetings! I have a stock/plain jane/nothing added '06 XLT with stock wheels P235/70R16 and I need new tires before the snow hits. Does anyone know the max tire size I can run without any modifications? I'm looking at something like a P265/70R16.
Thanks.
I really like my Explorer, just bought it in April and we have not regretted a single moment.

I think you should be able to fit 31's without any lift.

 

[mksu19]

Lifts and max tire and wheel sizes for explorers
This is a quick reference guide I have put together based on information gathered from the Explorer Forum. Remember this is just a guide. You may have to do some fender trimming to fit these tires on your explorer. Others things can change what size tire you can run on your explorer. Like fiberglass fenders, rim width and rim backspacing.. I figured this would help some of you that were pondering what size lift to run what size tires.If anyone would like to add something go ahead and post it and I will add it to my list. If any of the moderators could make this a sticky that would be great. Hope this helps.

91-94 explorers.
No lift- 31x10.50x15 on 15x8 inch rims
1-2 inch suspension lift- 31x10.50x15 - 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require some extensive fender trimming
2-3 inch suspension lift- 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rims
3-4 inch suspension lift- 32x11.50x15 - 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming
4-6 inch suspension lift- 33x12.50x15 - 35x12.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming
2 inch body lift- 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming
3 inch body lift- 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rims/ may require fender trimming
2 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift- 32x11.50x15 - 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
2 inch body lift and 2-3 inch suspension lift- 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 inch rim
2 inch body lift and 4-6 inch suspension lift – 35x12.50x15 – 36x12.50x15 on 15x 8 rim/ may require fender trimming
3 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift – 32x11.50x15 – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
3 inch body lift and 2-3 inch Suspension Lift – 33x12.50x15 – 35x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim
3 inch body lift and 4-6 inch Suspension lift – 35x12.50x15 – 36x12.50x15 on 15x8 inch rim

95-2001
No lift- 31x10.50x15 on 15x8 rim
1-2 inch suspension lift - 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require some extensive fender trimming
4 inch suspension – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim
2 inch body lift – 32x11.50x15 on 15x8 rim
3 inch body lift – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
2 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift – 32x11.50x15 – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
2 inch body lift and 4 inch suspension lift - 33x12.50x15 – 35x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
3 inch body lift and 1-2 inch suspension lift – 33x12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming
3 inch body lift and 4 inch suspension lift – 33x12.50x15 – 35.12.50x15 on 15x8 rim/ may require fender trimming.

You may be able to run 33x10.50x15s inplace of 32x11.50x15s



For An Updated Chart Please Visit Here: Dead Link Removed

Hello, I posted a question yesterday that probably sounded really stupid. Anyways, I had just recently purchased an XLT and wanted to lift it using the Sky Jacker 1.5-2" suspension. I'd like to run it with the TSL-SX 31x13.5 mounted on 15x8 Black Rock Crawlers with 3.5" backspace. Is this feasible or should I just stick to a TSL-SX 30x11.5? I noticed that one could fit a 31x10.5 on stock height so I figured I could get away with just lifting it enough to fit (atleast I think) a 31x13.5. Help please! Also, the lift supposedly comes with add a leafs. If I had my mechanic crank up the Torsion Bars, would I need to add something to the rear to compensate for it (sagging)? I'd really appreciate the help and advice.

 

[FROADER]

mksu - The 31x13.5 should really go on a 9" wide wheel minimum for the best wear pattern. 13.5" is pretty wide for an 8" wheel. Since the tire is so wide, I'm not sure that you'll get away with no rubbing unless you trim. That is not 100% though, you won't know until you try since every truck is different. Are you set on Super Swamper. They have some really weird sizes.

Also, you don't have torsion bars, you have coil springs. The torsion bars are 2nd generation explorer which are 95-01.

 

[mksu19]

Thanks FROADER! Like I said, Im a chick who loves the mud! I really like the TSL-SX's looks! I specifically like the super agressive side lugs but if anyone could tell me of a similar type tyre within the same price range I'd seriously consider. What should I expect (problem wise) when I trim the plastic parts in the fenderwells? If thats the only thing keeping me from the 31x13.5's then i could have my brother hack the plastic parts off! Thanks again for the advise!

 

[mksu19]

Oh before I forget, while you're at it, does the Black Rock Crawler come in a 15x9? Or is there something similar looking (and price) that you or anyone could recommend? Thanks!

 

[ValleyExplorer]

Thank You very much for this information! It helped save me money because I was going to buy a bigger lift than I needed to clear 33's. Eventually I'm going bigger but right now this has saved me about 500 bucks! Thanks

 

[Joshua51]

Hi all,

When I look at Joe 93's updated chart regarding gen 3 X's:

"Updated Chart: Max Tire Sizes With and Without Lifts
Lifts and max tire and wheel sizes for explorers

For Metric Users: Click here to convert Standard to Metric and vise versa.

2002-2005 Ford Explorers
No Lift - 32x10.50 or equivelent in Metric Measurements on Stock Wheels (265/75/R16 or 265/70/R17) - no modification needed!
Last edited by FROADER : 12-10-2007 at 01:40 AM. Reason: more additions"


It says that I could put 265/75/R16's without any mods. Can anyone verify that? I only ask because I've gotten so many different opinions, but Joe's is the first to say the tire I want will fit.

I'm looking to put the BFGoodrich TA KO's on the EB, and I don't want to crank the torsion bar.

Also, I'm interested in opinions on whether the 75's are a better fit for rocks and sand versus the 70's?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[FROADER]

Joshua51 - http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190141

 

[Joshua51]

Thanks Froader, they look good. Can you clue me in on how the extra 3" affects the speedometer and ABS?

 

[FROADER]

The speedometer will be off by a small percent. It will show slower than you're actually going by somewhere around 5%. That's a guess though so the best bet would be to ask bigapple.

The brakes will work fine still, but it won't stop as fast as it does now. I'd guess a couple yards difference?

 

[Joshua51]

That may work out perfectly, as the speedo is currently showing a little faster then I'm actually going. This may make it accurate.

Thanks again Froader.

 

[FROADER]

No worries.

Good luck.

 

[p100ki]

I just put 32s on my Ex a couple weeks ago and i stumbled onto a set of 35/12.50/15s that i want to use in the spring. They are 90% tread and i picked them up from a buddy who bought a suburban for parts, paid $150 for all 4. I have a 3" body lift and i have a 4" rough country suspension lift waiting to go on in the spring.

Summit racing is literally ten minutes from work so i was going to get some wheels to get a jump on the lift but i need to know what backspacing you guys would recommend. I'm thinking 4" backspacing myself but then i started thinking of width and got all confused. What width and backspacing would you recommend?

While i'm at it i'm pretty sure i'm running 3:73 gears. What's the best way to upgrade to 4:10 or 11? Here's a current picture for reference.

 

[FROADER]

Summit racing is literally ten minutes from work so i was going to get some wheels to get a jump on the lift but i need to know what backspacing you guys would recommend. I'm thinking 4" backspacing myself but then i started thinking of width and got all confused. What width and backspacing would you recommend?

While i'm at it i'm pretty sure i'm running 3:73 gears. What's the best way to upgrade to 4:10 or 11? Here's a current picture for reference.

I would go with 3.75 backspacing on the wheels. For gears I would do at least 4.56. With 35s that will bring you as close to the stock ratio as possible.

 

[p100ki]

I was hoping you would respond. This is mainly a mud truck, actually a daily driver mud truck just because i like it so well. I have a clean 94 and 95 but i donated the 95 with controltrac to the wife for a work driver and the 94 sits until this one is too big for the 75 mile daily trip it currently does.

Where do you suggest i buy the gears and do you have a recommendation for a locker? I was going to do a solid axle conversion but after i did it to my tracker and did not really need it i would rather stick with the stock front axle. I have a farm and about 80 acres i hunt on so i have all kinds of free trails that i frequent but they are mostly mud.

Do you think 15x8s are fine for those tires?