Lots of 32" tire questions! Lets go large!

[V8BoatBuilder]

I'm seriosuly looking at new tires for my Mountaineer. I have stock 235X75R15s on there - and want bigger. I'm building the truck up for sand, so tire width is key. I was thinking 31s, but why not 32s, since they are 11.5" wide instead of 10.5." The extra 1/2" of ground clearance won't hurt either.

The Questions and Issues:
1) Spare Tire: Since the vehcile is AWD, i need a fullsize spare. However, one of my biggest requirements is that I keep the spare tire in the stock location. I don't want the roof (I carry stuff up there, raised COG, increased wind resistance), Definitley not inside the cargo area, and I don't have the $$ for one of Cory's rear bumper racks. Think I can fit a 32x11.50 under there? I have the factory hitch, and EE swaybars.

2) Stock Rims: Since buget is an issue, I'd like to keep the stock rims. It seems like Digger196 hasn't had any problems, but why is no-one else doing the 15x7 with a 32x11.50? I have EE swaybars - and won't give them up for anything. What about rubbing with stock backspacing?

3) Rubbing/Lift: I have shackles waiting for me, and woulnd't mind a small Body Lift. Say 1" or 2". I'd like to avoid the 3" if possible. What are the part numbers for these lifts? Experiance with them?
I'd like to keep the COG low since this is my daily driver and I'm on the highway alot. Lift for offroad isn't as big a problem since the sand is flat - no flex needed. Trimming isn't that big a deal, but I would like to keep it to plastic only.

4) I have 3.73 gears right now, I'm planning on leaving them. I may get a new speedo gear, or the superlift calibrator. I'm going to get a shift kit (possibly baumann) to ease the transmission, and improve performance.

I know there are 31x11.50s - but these are rare and would require new rims... but still an option.

What are evreyone's thoughts?

 

[Digger196]

1) no, not enough room. 31 is max i beleave

2)i did it just fine and ran some pretty hard trails with the stock rims. you'll have to rim a tad but it is all plastic and don't really need that.

3)you will need the PA 2" BL for a first generation explorer (they don't make a 1" BL, unless ay want to do hockey pucks)). then you replace the bolts and get new bumper brackets. as for COG - if you replace the shocks for Rancho 5000's or 9000X's it'll bo so stiff that COG isn't a problem. i go pretty fast around corners and i'm just fine and the highway is a piece of cake!

4) i have 3.73 gears as well and you'll have to get a new speedo gear with the 32's

32's will work. don't let anyopne tell you they wont b/c i proved them wrong and so can you!

any more questions just PM or e-mail me.

 

[Texplorer]

You can go with 31x11.50's on your stock rim if you want to. They will fit.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Digger - I already have 4 9000x's

Tex - Really? Everyone I've talked to has said that the 7" width with the smaller sidewall won't be enough. Do you know of people who are running the combo?

 

[Digger196]

awesome man. i might be replacing my rear for the 9000X's soon. we'll see

 

[terdrocket]

The only disappointment I can see you having with a future lift and 32" tire set up is the lack of low end zip w/ the 3.73.

I have the AWD V8. Mine came w/ 255 70 16's from factory. I now run 265 75 16's. = 31.8" tire.
I can definately feel the difference.

Your going from a 235 75 15 tire to a 31" or 32" tire.
BIG difference.

Not trying to shy you away by any means. Just don't let it suprise you the first time you step on the gas and you have to step a little harder

 

[Digger196]

terdrocket - very true but it help me since i'm a teenager and like zoom zoom and that slows it down. i might regear as well. but that down the road!

 

[Maniak]

You still may fit a 32" tire in the stock spare location.... BUT, not at full pressure..

On our First Gen, I keep 10psi of air in the spare and it fits fine... at 15psi it won't fit.. and since I always carry an air compressor, I don't mind.. (I only need the spare about twice a year)..

~Mark

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Mark... really.... I always carry a compressor anyways. Do you have a hitch? swaybar? I'd love to see photos if anyone has them.

Thanks for the responses guys!

 

[Maniak]

No hitch, no sway bar, and it does barely fit... There is < 2" between the axle (diff) and the tire at full stuff.

~Mark