Solved Lifts and Max tire sizes

Lift and tire size info for explorers

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 or stock (15x7) 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 (including 2dr 95 - present)
No lift- 31x10.50x15 on 15x8 rim or stock (15x7) 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

2002-2005 Ford Explorers
Click here for lift option #1
Click here for lift option #2
No lift - 32x10.50 or equivelent in Metric Measurements on Stock Wheels (265/75/R16 or 265/70/R17) - no modification needed!

Dead Link Removed

 

[mudaddy]

so i cant put the springs on top of tha axel?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

You can do a SOA but the rear will be much higher than the front.

 

[97tnmountaineer]

31x11.0 on 15x8

these are thornburgs
i have a 97 mountaineer
i didnt see any on the chart,but u would think they
would fit .....but i will try anything.
31x10.50 will fit so i think a 31x11.00 will

 

[miichael18]

I have a 1996 ford explorer xlt and im wanting to add bigger tires. Thing is mine is the all wheel drive control trac V8. I dont want to add no lift at all and i cant have any rubbing at all cause i pull my boat with it and i need to be able to make tight turns still. What size tire should i go with? Its a 1996 Explorer XLT V8 5.0 Control Trac AWD. Want something bigger but i dont want to adjust on my vehicle to raise it up any. i was thinking about 30 x 9.50's. Should i be ok with them? got 15" stock rims

 

[FROADER]

i was thinking about 30 x 9.50's. Should i be ok with them? got 15" stock rims

That would be a good size for you then.
31x10.5s fit on some with no rubbing, but it's not guaranteed.

 

[miichael18]

id prob be better off going with 265/75/15 wouldnt i? that would be 30.6 tall/10.4 wide.
right now i have what it calls for 235/75/15 which are 28.9" tall x 9.3" wide

 

[FROADER]

That size might rub, it's not just the height that makes them rub, it's also the width. Since 31x10.5s rub on some and not on others, you won't know until you try it, unfortunately. Also the added stress on the drivetrain with bigger tires and not regearing is there too.

 

[Mkrucejr]

What's an inexpensive way to get an extra inch or 2?

 

[FROADER]

For your '96 is torsion twist and shackles.

Tons of info on those if you search around the site.

 

[97tnmountaineer]

ive got a 97 mountaineer awd with 31x11.0 on 15x7 no lift no fender trimming

 

[subliminal1]

Thanks

this was exactly what I was looking for, I knew it had to be here some where I'm liking what I see here on this site good list

 

[JamesVW73]

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

 

[The exploder]

Ok so i Have a 93 sport and i wanna get some new tires and since the stock ones look so wennie on it i wanna get bigger ones.The chart says that i can putt 31s under it.Whould i be ok with the stock 3 73 gears? And If i hit a bump off road are they going to eat my fenders. I only ask this cause my uncle said that they can tear your fenders off Thanks

 

[pseudonym]

Ok so I have a 01 X Sport 2wd and it's my first car, and so far is stock. I'm saving up money from work that's not already paying the payments and insurance, and since it's precious I wanna be informed here.
What I want to do is get a 3" body lift, with no suspension lift, and then using the stock 16x7" rims, fit some 31 or 32s.
Is this plausible at all without any other mods or trimming?

 

[pseudonym]

and btw, i am wanting to get maxxis buckshot mudders for the tires, if thatll help any

 

[FROADER]

pseudonym - Check out this post http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1734632&postcount=4

 

[Explorer93RDB]

I have a 2" Body lift kit and new 3000 Procomp shocks . with 2" spring spacers this will give you a 4" Lift .. PM me...

 

[pseudonym]

thanks man. i think ill just go shackles and a TT
and go with the 265/75-16 maxxis buckshots,
since thats about the same size (like 31.6"?)
that should be cheaper too.

 

[Mkrucejr]

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??

 

[GnawThruMyLip]

31x10.5x15 rubbed on my 99 explorer sport. BUT only on the driver's side.... I had to shave off some of the bumper... Weird.